What is the best time of year to visit Napa Valley?

Napa Valley is great year-round, but spring (March–May) is green and less crowded, fall (September–October) is harvest season, and winter (November–February) is cozy ‘Cabernet Season’ with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace.

How many wineries should you visit in one day in Napa?

For the best experience, plan on 2 to 3 wineries per day. This gives you time for seated tastings, scenic stops, and a relaxed lunch without feeling rushed.

Do you need reservations for wine tasting in Napa Valley?

Yes—many Napa wineries require reservations, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Booking ahead helps you secure the best tasting experiences and ideal time slots.

Where should first-timers stay in Napa Valley?

First-timers often love staying in Downtown Napa for walkability to restaurants and tasting rooms, or in Yountville or St. Helena for a more classic wine-country stay close to top wineries.

Is Napa or Sonoma better for wine tasting?

Napa is known for polished, iconic winery experiences and bold Cabernets, while Sonoma tends to feel more laid-back and spread out. Many trips are best with a mix of both.

Which Hawaiian island is best for nature and a quieter trip?

Kauai is best for nature lovers and travelers seeking a quieter experience, with lush scenery, waterfalls, and a slower pace.

Which Hawaiian island is best for volcanoes?

The Big Island is the best choice for seeing volcanoes and unique landscapes, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and black sand beaches.

How long does the Road to Hana take?

Most travelers should plan 8–12 hours round trip for the Road to Hana, depending on how many stops you make and how long you spend at each one. Starting before 7am helps avoid crowds and makes parking easier.

Is the Road to Hana safe?

The Road to Hana can be safe if you drive cautiously, avoid distractions, and don’t rush. The road has many tight curves and narrow areas, so take your time, use pullouts to let faster cars pass, and avoid driving after dark.

Can you do the Road to Hana with kids?

Yes—families can do the Road to Hana with kids, especially with a flexible plan. Bring snacks, plan bathroom breaks, keep stops realistic, and be extra cautious near waterfalls and roadside pull-offs.

Is it better to drive the Road to Hana yourself or take a tour?

Driving yourself offers the most flexibility—especially for families and travelers who want to choose their own stops. A guided tour is a great option if you prefer a stress-free day without navigating narrow, winding roads.

What should you avoid on the Road to Hana?

Avoid starting late, trying to fit in too many stops, relying on cell service, parking illegally, swimming after heavy rain, and ignoring posted warning or no-trespassing signs. A simpler plan makes the day safer and more enjoyable.

How much does a trip to Maui cost?

Maui trip costs vary a lot by season and travel style. In this post, we share our real total cost and a breakdown of what we spent on flights, hotel, rental car, food, and activities so you can estimate your own trip more accurately.

Is Maui expensive compared to other Hawaii islands?

Maui is often one of the more expensive Hawaii islands for lodging and rental cars, especially during peak travel seasons. That said, you can still control costs with the right area to stay, mixing free activities with a few paid experiences, and planning meals strategically.

What is the biggest expense on a Maui vacation?

For most travelers, the biggest expense is usually lodging, followed by flights and a rental car. Food and activities can add up quickly too, but they’re easier to adjust based on your priorities.

Do you need a rental car in Maui?

For most Maui itineraries, yes—a rental car makes it much easier to explore beaches, scenic drives, and different parts of the island. If you plan to stay mostly at a resort and nearby restaurants, you may be able to limit driving, but you’ll sacrifice flexibility.

How much should you budget per day in Maui?

A realistic daily budget depends on your hotel and dining choices. A mid-range trip often lands in a wide range per day once you include lodging, car, food, and activities. In this post, we calculate our average cost per day based on what we actually spent.

Can you do Maui cheaper than this trip?

Yes. The easiest ways to reduce costs are choosing a more affordable area or time of year, booking lodging with a kitchen or breakfast included, doing more free beach and hike days, and keeping paid excursions to one or two highlights.

When is Maui the cheapest to visit?

Maui is often cheaper during shoulder seasons when demand drops and deals are more common. Prices can spike around holidays and peak travel periods, so flexibility with dates can make a big difference.

Is Maui worth it if you are trying to keep costs reasonable?

It can be. Maui is not the cheapest destination, but you can absolutely plan a trip that feels special without going full luxury by prioritizing free nature experiences, picking one or two paid “splurge” activities, and being intentional about where you stay and eat.

This blog uses affiliate links. If you’d like to purchase a recommended product, please use the link to support this blog. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, it simply allows me to continue creating these posts. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Kat Cregg 1/29/26 Kat Cregg 1/29/26

Where to Stay, Sip, and Savor in California’s Wine Country

Plan the perfect Napa Valley getaway with this complete travel guide—featuring the best wineries, boutique hotels, weekend itineraries, and what to pack for every season.

Wine cave at Beringer is charming decorated with a Christmas Tree — Cave Tour at Beringer Vineyards

The Ultimate Napa Valley Travel Guide

Where to Stay, Sip, and Savor in California’s Most Iconic Wine Region

Napa Valley is one of those places that somehow lives up to the hype—and then exceeds it. Rolling vineyards, golden hills, architecturally stunning wineries, unforgettable meals, and that unmistakable feeling that time slows down the moment you arrive (especially when you go without the kids).

Whether you’re planning your very first wine country getaway, returning for a cozy Cabernet-season escape, or building the perfect girls’ trip or romantic weekend, this guide pulls together everything you need to plan a Napa Valley trip—from where to stay and sip to what to wear and when to go.

This is your starting point. From here, I’ll link you to detailed hotel reviews, winery guides, itineraries, and packing lists to help you plan the perfect trip! Cheers! 🥂

Jump to:

Best Time to Visit Napa Valley
Best Wineries in Napa Valley
Where to Stay in Napa
What to Pack for Napa
Napa Travel Tips

🗺️ Where Is Napa Valley & How to Get There

Napa Valley is located in Northern California, about one hour north of San Francisco. The valley stretches roughly 30 miles from the city of Napa in the south to Calistoga in the north, with charming towns like Yountville and St. Helenain between.

Getting there:

Fly into: San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), or Sacramento (SMF)
Drive time:
- San Francisco → Napa: ~1–1.5 hours
- Sonoma County → Napa: ~45 minutes

Once you’re there, having a car is helpful—though if wine tasting is the main event, booking a driver or joining curated tastings can make the experience far more relaxing.

Best time of year to visit Napa is December! You must see the St Helena Downtown Christmas Display

Best Time to Visit Napa Valley

There truly isn’t a bad time to visit Napa, but each season has its own personality.

Spring (March–May)

Fresh, green vineyards, wildflowers, and fewer crowds make spring a beautiful and underrated time to visit.

Summer (June–August)

Long days, warm weather, and peak vineyard views—but also the busiest and most expensive season.

Fall (September–October)

Harvest season is buzzing, golden, and magical. Expect lively wineries and higher prices.

Winter (November–February)

Often called Cabernet Season, winter in Napa is cozy, romantic, and surprisingly luxurious—think fireplaces, mustard blooms, and misty mornings with fewer tourists. It’s my personal favorite!

👉 For a festive winter escape, see:
A Curated Christmas in Napa: A Luxury 3-Day Guide to St. Helena & Yountville

Don’t miss relaxing with a cup of coffee in a tub on the Alila guest room balcony by the fire pit!

🍷 Best Wineries in Napa Valley (By Experience)

With hundreds of wineries, Napa can feel overwhelming—so instead of listing them all, here’s how to think about choosing the right ones for your trip.

Scenic & Elevated Experiences

If sweeping views and bold reds are your thing, wineries tucked into the hills deliver some of Napa’s most memorable tastings.

👉 Winery Review: Chappellet Winery
Perched atop Pritchard Hill, Chappellet combines breathtaking views with some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the valley.

Hidden Gems & Instagram-Worthy Stops

Some of Napa’s most charming wineries fly under the radar—with stunning grounds, intimate tastings, and beautiful backdrops.

👉 7 Best Kept Secret Wineries in Napa Valley
A curated list of beautiful and some lesser-known wineries that are as photogenic as they are delicious.

Don’t Skip Sonoma County (Right Next Door)

While Napa often steals the spotlight, Sonoma County offers a more laid-back, equally beautiful wine-tasting experience—often with more generous pours and fewer crowds.

👉 Best Wineries to Visit in Sonoma County
👉 Winery Review: Scribe Winery – a must-visit for its food-forward tastings and vineyard views

Sonoma is an excellent option if you’re looking to balance your trip or extend your stay beyond Napa.

Napa & Sonoma Wine Tasting Weekend Itinerary

If you’re visiting for the weekend and want a little bit of everything—wine, great food, charming towns—this itinerary is a great place to start.

👉 Wine Tasting Weekend Itinerary in Napa & Sonoma
This guide breaks down where to stay, which wineries to prioritize, and how to pace your tastings so you actually enjoy them.

Cabernet House at Old World Inn - great bed and breakfast in Napa Valley

Where to Stay in Napa Valley

Where you stay can completely shape your Napa experience. These are some of my favorite options, depending on your style and budget.

Boutique & Walkable

👉 Cabernet House at Old World Inn
Affordable, charming, and centrally located—perfect if you want to walk to restaurants and tasting rooms.

👉 Andaz Napa
A stylish boutique hotel right in downtown Napa with spacious rooms and an unbeatable location.

You must relax in the room at Andaz in in Napa with a lovely soaking tub near the window — Andaz Napa with a giant tub near the window - relaxation at it’s finest!

Nearby Alternatives

👉 Hyatt Regency Sonoma County
Located in Santa Rosa, this is a great home base if you’re splitting time between Napa and Sonoma. Sometimes we stay here for a night, then move to another hotel closer to Napa.

What to Wear & Pack for Napa Valley

Napa style is all about effortless chic—comfortable enough for tastings, polished enough for long lunches and winery patios.

👉 Napa Packing Checklist (Free Download)
Everything you need for a Napa weekend, any season of the year—plus outfit ideas and wine-country essentials.

👉 Chilly Chic & Cabernet Ready: Napa Winter Packing List
From mustard season layers to cozy wine-tasting looks, this guide covers how to dress for Napa in winter without sacrificing style.

Helpful Napa Valley Travel Tips

Make tasting reservations in advance—especially on weekends
Plan 2–3 wineries per day max
Balance structured tastings with casual stops
Eat a solid breakfast (trust me)
Stay hydrated and pace yourself

Is Napa Valley Worth Visiting?

Absolutely—but it’s especially perfect if you love:

Wine and food experiences
Beautiful scenery
Slower, intentional travel
Boutique hotels and curated luxury

If you prefer something more casual or spontaneous, Sonoma may be a better fit—but for a polished, iconic wine country escape, Napa Valley is hard to beat.

Ready to Plan Your Napa Trip?

Start with the guides linked above, and build your trip from there. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another unforgettable stay, Napa always finds a way to surprise you.

We love wine which makes it hard to decide where to go in Napa! See our favorite places to go and best kept secret wineries to visit in Napa, CA. See the most instagrammable spots in Napa! #wine #napa

Jul 27, 2019

California, Wineries, Napa, Wine

Winery Review: Chappellet Winery - Great views and even better wine!

Jan 30, 2019

California, Sonoma, Napa, Wine, Wineries

Winery Review: Chappellet Winery - Great views and even better wine!

Jan 30, 2019

California, Sonoma, Napa, Wine, Wineries

While in search of the best winery in Napa and Sonoma, I discovered Chappellet atop Pritchard Hill with stunning views and some of the best red wine I’ve ever had! Where you must go wine tasting in your next trip to Northern California! #wine #winetasting #napa

Jan 30, 2019

California, Sonoma, Napa, Wine, Wineries

Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma Weekend Itinerary with map!

Dec 10, 2018

California, Hotel, Restaurants, Wineries, Hotel Review, Napa, Sonoma, Travel

Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma Weekend Itinerary with map!

Dec 10, 2018

California, Hotel, Restaurants, Wineries, Hotel Review, Napa, Sonoma, Travel

After multiple trips to Napa, we’ve come up with the perfect weekend itinerary! See where to go wine tasting in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County region. We also have suggestions where to stay and our favorite restaurants for some grub! #napa #wine #winetasting

Dec 10, 2018

California, Hotel, Restaurants, Wineries, Hotel Review, Napa, Sonoma, Travel

WINERY REVIEW: Scribe Winery in Sonoma, California

Nov 26, 2018

California, Sonoma, Wineries, Napa

WINERY REVIEW: Scribe Winery in Sonoma, California

Nov 26, 2018

California, Sonoma, Wineries, Napa

Scribe winery is the perfect place for wine tasting (and lunch) in Sonoma, California. Not only do they have generous pours, but a delightful meal that goes along with the tasting and picturesque instagram worthy views of the vineyard. Affordable and perfect for 30 somethings! #winetasting #sonoma #winery

Nov 26, 2018

California, Sonoma, Wineries, Napa

5 Best Wineries to Visit in Sonoma County for Wine Tasting (with map)

Nov 24, 2018

California, Sonoma, Wineries, Napa

5 Best Wineries to Visit in Sonoma County for Wine Tasting (with map)

Nov 24, 2018

California, Sonoma, Wineries, Napa

Wine tasting is a must in Northern California! Check out the 5 best wineries for wine tasting in Sonoma Valley just next door to Napa Valley! Best wineries in Sonoma! #Wine #Sonoma #WineTasting

Nov 24, 2018

California, Sonoma, Wineries, Napa

HOTEL REVIEW: Hyatt Regency Sonoma County

Nov 21, 2018

California, Hotel, Hotel Review, Napa, Sonoma, Wineries

HOTEL REVIEW: Hyatt Regency Sonoma County

Nov 21, 2018

California, Hotel, Hotel Review, Napa, Sonoma, Wineries

When staying in Nor Cal’s wine country, the Hyatt Regency Sonoma County is the best hotel! Located in the heart of Santa Rosa, this newly remodeled Hyatt is not far from wineries and walking distance to many restaurants and shopping areas. #Napa #sonoma #winetasting #hotel

Nov 21, 2018

California, Hotel, Hotel Review, Napa, Sonoma, Wineries

Kat Cregg 1/22/26 Kat Cregg 1/22/26

Printable Gingerbread House Kit (DIY Template for Kids)

Create a festive gingerbread house with this printable DIY kit for kids and families. Includes templates and instructions. Instant download.

What Is a Printable Gingerbread House Kit — Guessing dimensions without a Printable Gingerbread House Kit

Creating a gingerbread house is one of the most magical holiday traditions—but baking, cutting, and assembling can feel overwhelming, especially with kids. This printable gingerbread house kit makes it simple to enjoy the fun without the stress.

Designed for families, classrooms, and holiday parties, this DIY kit gives you everything you need to build a festive gingerbread house using easy-to-follow templates and instructions.

👉 Get the Printable Gingerbread House Kit
Instant digital download – perfect for kids and families

What Is a Printable Gingerbread House Kit?

A printable gingerbread house kit is a digital download that includes pre-sized templates and instructions you can print at home. Instead of guessing measurements or struggling with fragile baked pieces, you’ll have a clear plan that makes assembling a gingerbread house much easier—especially with kids helping.

This kit works whether you:

Bake your own gingerbread
Use graham crackers
Want a practice run before making an edible version

What’s Included in the Gingerbread House Kit

✔ Printable gingerbread house templates (PDF)
✔ Step-by-step building instructions
✔ Decorating ideas that work for kids
✔ Tips to help prevent cracking and collapsing
✔ Instant digital download (no waiting!)

👉 Download the Gingerbread House Kit Here

Gingerbread house template made walls and back — Why Families Love This Gingerbread House Kit

Why Families Love This Gingerbread House Kit

Kid-friendly: Simple shapes and clear instructions
Low stress: No guesswork or complicated measuring
Reusable: Print and use year after year
Flexible: Works with gingerbread, graham crackers, or cardboard

This makes it a great option for:

Christmas Eve traditions
Holiday baking with kids
Classroom or homeschool activities
Family holiday parties

How to Use the Printable Gingerbread House Kit

Download and print the templates on standard 8.5×11 paper
Cut out the template pieces
Roll dough and using your template pieces, cut around dough creating panels (roof, side, front, and back)
Bake your house panels
Decorate with your favorite sprinkles or treats
Assemble using royal icing or buttercream frosting
Display and enjoy!

The instructions are written so kids can follow along with adult help.

Gingerbread House vs. Sugar Cookie House

If you love decorating but want an easier edible option, you might also enjoy making a sugar cookie house instead of a gingerbread house.

👉 See our Sugar Cookie House Tutorial for Kids
(Perfect if you want softer cookies and less breakage)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a physical gingerbread house kit?

No. This is a digital download that you print at home. Ingredients and candy are not included.

Is this gingerbread house kit good for kids?

Yes! It’s designed to be kid-friendly and works best with adult supervision.

What paper size should I use?

Standard US Letter (8.5×11). No special printer needed.

Can I reuse this kit every year?

Yes. Once purchased, you can print and reuse it for personal use.

Make Gingerbread Houses a Holiday Tradition

Creating a gingerbread house doesn’t have to be complicated to be special. With this printable gingerbread house kit, you can skip the stress and focus on what matters most—making memories, laughing through the decorating mess, and starting a holiday tradition your family will look forward to year after year. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a classroom activity, or planning a cozy Christmas afternoon at home, this easy DIY kit helps turn a simple idea into a meaningful experience.

This printable gingerbread house kit takes the pressure out of holiday baking and lets you focus on what matters—making memories together.

👉 Get the Printable Gingerbread House Kit – Instant Download

Sugar Cookie House Guide (Easy, No Gingerbread Required!)

This sugar cookie house guide covers recipe for dough, assembly, decorating ideas, frosting tips, and a free template for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and creative kid builds.

Sugar Cookie house for Valentine's Day lace design inspired — Valentine Sugar Cookie House

How to Make a Sugar Cookie House without Gingerbread- Easy and Kid-Friendly

If you love making gingerbread houses like I do, but don’t love gingerbread, this sugar cookie house guide is for you! A sugar cookie house is a fun, festive alternative that works for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and beyond—with soft cookies, easy dough, and decorations your whole family will actually enjoy eating.

Whether you’re building a classic holiday house or a pink-and-pastel Valentine’s Day version, this guide walks you through everything you need to know, with links to step-by-step seasonal tutorials.

Why Make a Sugar Cookie House Instead of Gingerbread?

Sugar cookie houses are easier, tastier, and more kid-friendly than traditional gingerbread houses. Look, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with actual gingerbread, I’m just not the biggest fan!

Why families love a sugar cookie house:

Softer cookies that are actually edible (YUM 😋)
No molasses or spices required (everything you already have in your cabinet)
Easier dough to roll and bake evenly
Works for multiple holidays, not just Christmas

If you’ve ever struggled with rock-hard gingerbread or broken walls, sugar cookies are a game changer!

What Is a Sugar Cookie House?

A sugar cookie house is built using sturdy sugar cookie panels instead of gingerbread. The cookies are baked slightly thicker to hold their shape, then assembled with frosting and decorated based on the season.

You can customize:

Roof style
Door and window shapes
Icing colors
Holiday-specific candy decorations

Sugar Cookie Dough with Sprinkles for Sugar Cookie House — Sugar Cookie Dough with Sprinkles

Sugar Cookie House Dough Basics

A good sugar cookie house dough should be:

Firm but not dry
Rolled evenly
Baked until set (not browned)

💡 Tip: Chill the dough before cutting shapes to prevent spreading.

You’ll find exact measurements and baking times inside each seasonal tutorial below.

How to Assemble a Sugar Cookie House

Assembly is the same no matter the holiday.

Basic steps:

Bake and cool cookie panels completely
Decorate all pieces and refrigerate for 15 mins at least to let the frosting set
Pipe thick frosting along edges
Assemble walls first and let set
Add roof panels

You can use buttercream frosting (yes, really!) or royal icing depending on your preference.

See our Valentine’s Day post for more info about Buttercream Frosting do’s and don’t’s

Free Sugar Cookie House Template (Printable)

To make building a sugar cookie house even easier, we created a free printable sugar cookie house template you can use to cut consistent wall and roof pieces every time. This template works perfectly for sugar cookie dough and can be reused for different holidays and designs.

👉 Download the free sugar cookie house template here:
https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/shop/gingerbread-house

This template works for Christmas sugar cookie houses, Valentine’s Day houses, and any themed sugar cookie build.

Sugar Cookie House Design Ideas

One of the best things about a sugar cookie house is how easy it is to customize for different holidays, themes, and skill levels. Whether you’re decorating with toddlers or creating a show-stopping centerpiece, these ideas work beautifully with sugar cookie dough.

Popular sugar cookie house designs include:

Classic house with piped frosting and sprinkles
Minimalist house with simple lines and powdered sugar
Candy-covered house for kids who love decorating
Pastel or themed houses for holidays like Valentine’s Day or Easter

💖 Lace-Inspired (Perfect for Valentine’s Day)

Uses piped icing to mimic lace patterns
Great for Valentine’s, weddings, baby showers
Elegant look without extra baking steps

👉 For step-by-step decorating and recipes, explore our seasonal sugar cookie house tutorials below.

Save these sugar cookie house design ideas on Pinterest so you can come back when it’s time to bake.

Sugar Cookie House Ideas by Holiday

🎄 Christmas Sugar Cookie House

A Christmas sugar cookie house is perfect for family traditions and holiday parties. Think snowy roofs, festive sprinkles, and classic Christmas candy. And maybe a cat in a window? Why not?!

👉 Read the full tutorial here: Christmas Sugar Cookie House (Easy & Kid-Friendly)

Popular Christmas decorations:

Mini gumdrops
Peppermints
White frosting “snow”
Holiday sprinkles

💕 Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House

A Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a sweet winter activity that doesn’t feel like Christmas leftovers. Pink frosting, heart cookies, and pastel candy make this a fun February tradition. When you think there’s too much pink just add more! Never enough pink in my book.

👉 Read the full tutorial here:

Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House (No Gingerbread Required)

Valentine decorating ideas:

Conversation hearts
Pink and red icing
Heart-shaped cookies
Sprinkles and sanding sugar

💖 Lace-Inspired (Perfect for Valentine’s Day)

Uses piped icing to mimic lace patterns
Great for Valentine’s, weddings, baby showers
Elegant look without extra baking steps

Best Frosting for Sugar Cookie Houses

You have two great options:

Buttercream Frosting

Tastes better
Easy to make
Great for decorating with kids

Royal Icing

Dries hard
Best for advanced builders
Less forgiving (and less tasty)

👉 Tip: For family builds, buttercream works surprisingly well when cookies are fully cooled.

Making Sugar Cookie Houses with Kids

Sugar cookie houses are much more forgiving for toddlers and young kids.

Kid-friendly tips:

Pre-bake all pieces
Let adults assemble the structure
Kids decorate once stable
Use squeeze bottles or zip-top bags for frosting

This makes it a fun, low-stress activity instead of a meltdown waiting to happen.

Gingerbread House Snoopy Design — Snoopy Dog House Design - Sugar Cookie House

Christmas Snoopy Sugar Cookie House Design - no gingerbread! — Snoopy Dog house Sugar Cookie House

Fun Themed Sugar Cookie Houses for Kids

If your kids love themed projects, a cartoon-inspired dog house sugar cookie house is a huge hit. We made a black-and-white dog house design that kids immediately recognized and loved decorating. It’s a great alternative to a traditional house and perfect for little hands that just want to frost, sprinkle, and have fun.

👉 This is a fun example of how sugar cookie houses don’t have to look like houses at all.

Sugar cookie house with a 3D sugar cookie truck — Sugar Cookie House and Truck - no gingerbread

Creative Sugar Cookie Builds for Kids

Sugar cookie houses don’t have to look like houses at all. One of our favorite kid-friendly builds was a sugar cookie truck, which was just as fun to decorate and even easier for little hands to work on. Flat shapes, bold outlines, and simple details make vehicle-style cookie builds a great option for younger kids who want to jump straight into decorating.

👉 This is a great example of how sugar cookie dough can be used for creative, kid-approved designs beyond traditional houses.

Also, add The Trucks that Saved Christmas to your collection!

Sugar Cookie dough prep station — Sugar Cookie Prep Station

Can You Make Sugar Cookie Houses Ahead of Time?

Yes, in fact I HIGHLY recommend making the dough ahead of time.

Cookies: Bake 2–3 days ahead
Frosting: Make 1–2 days ahead and refrigerate
Assembly: Same day is best

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

More Sugar Cookie House Ideas Coming Soon!

Final Thoughts: The Best Sugar Cookie House for Any Season

A sugar cookie house is a fun, flexible tradition that doesn’t have to be limited to Christmas. With simple ingredients and endless decorating options, it’s an activity your family can enjoy all year long.

Start with one season—or build them all.

15 Best Restaurants with great views in Maui, Hawaii - with map! 2026 Update

Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui

10 Best Restaurants in Maui, Hawaii (Local Favorites & Must-Try Spots) Map included for 2026

UPDATED: January 9, 2026

Maui isn’t just a paradise for surfers and sunset chasers — it’s a dream destination for food lovers, too. From casual beach-side breakfasts to elegant dinners with ocean views, this island’s dining scene is as diverse and delicious as its landscapes. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood plucked straight from Hawaiian waters, local twists on classic comfort food, or unforgettable fine dining experiences, Maui delivers unforgettable meals that are every bit as memorable as its beaches and sunsets. After years of visiting and eating our way around the island, we’ve rounded up the 15 best restaurants in Maui — the spots we always return to and that we think you’ll love too.

We’ve been to Maui every year since 2013, so we know a thing or two about the island. We try and find new restaurants but we have a handful that we keep going back to! Here is a great list of where to eat in Maui, Hawaii! See some of the best restaurants on the island, sorted by area, and noted by price.

There are a few restaurants that were lost due to the 2023 Maui fire but I’m going to keep them on this list in hopes they open a new location. I have made a note if their current status as of January 9, 2026.

Here is a map of the best restaurants in Maui made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google Maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation!

Map courtesy of Wanderlog travel planner

See our list of what to pack for your next Maui vacay here: Hawaii Packing Essentials

Where to Eat in Kahului, Maui (Near airport)

Kahului is often seen as a quick stop for the airport or shopping, but it’s also home to some of Maui’s best local food spots. From casual counter-service restaurants to longtime local favorites, Kahului is where you’ll find authentic flavors, generous portions, and some of the island’s best value meals. If you’re looking to eat like a local—or want a great meal without the resort prices—Kahului is well worth a stop.

Tin Roof Maui ($)

Location: 360 PAPA PLACE STE Y, KAHULUI, HI, 96732

Closed on Sundays!

When landing in Maui, hunger hits. You've been on a plane forever. Pick up your rental car and drive 5 mins to Tin Roof! It's not a sit-down service restaurant (no liquor license) but excellent Hawaiian cuisine.

Per their website: TIN ROOF is a new generation mom & pop shop, owned by Internationally recognized Chef Sheldon Simeon & his wife, Janice. Raised in Hilo, Hawaii rain is a part of everyday life. Farmers markets keep buzzing, errands roll along, and garage kani ka pila never ends.

I loved their steak bowl - chopped flat iron steak wok-fried with garlic & scallion bottoms & topped off with ginger scallion pesto, served over rice & with a side of our daily banchan. Josh ordered the Sheldon Stay Hungry Special with pork belly and garlic noodles. It was the perfect quick meal after our long flight.

Don’t skip out on dessert! Try the Chocolate Birthday Bibingka Cake 🌈💗🎂 filled with ube, chocolate, peanut butter, sprinkles, and pop rocks!

There isn’t a place to sit, so pick it up and take it to enjoy on the beach!

🍽 Best for: Lunch or Dinner
🕒 Best time to go: Happy Hour
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Chef Sheldon Simeon owner of Tin Roof Kitchen in Maui, Hawaii

Tin Roof Chocolate Birthday Bibingka Cake

10 Best Restaurants Near Kaanapali, Lahaina, and Kapalua (North West Shore)

The North West Shore of Maui—home to Kaanapali, Lahaina, and Kapalua—offers some of the island’s most scenic and memorable dining experiences. From oceanfront restaurants perfect for sunset dinners to casual spots ideal for families staying near the resorts, this area is packed with must-try places to eat. Whether you’re visiting for a weeklong vacation or just looking for a great meal near your hotel, these are the best restaurants on Maui’s North West Shore worth adding to your itinerary.

We love to stay at Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa on Kaanapali beach! See our review here: Hotel Review: Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa

Monkeypod Kitchen ($$$)

Wailea Location: 10 Wailea Gateway Place B-201, Kihei, HI 96753

Kaanapali Location: 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Bldg I-1, Lahaina, HI 96761

See our full review: Best Restaurant in Maui: Monkeypod Kitchen

We first discovered Monkeypod in Wailea and were overjoyed when they opened a second location in Whalers Village, Kaanapali! We’ve found that it is the perfect spot for drinks and dinner. Get a Monkeypod Mai Tai with their fabulous honey foam! Loved the Bulgogi Pork Tacos - handcrafted kimchee, jalapeño, asian pear, sriracha aioli, locally-made corn tortilla. Jalapeño mashed potatoes ARE A MUST. They are green, but don’t let that scare you!

Dessert is a must here, we loved the rich Chocolate Cream Pie but they have other cream pies such as Banana available as well. Make a reservation in advance, we used Opentable (they might not be taking reservations at this time, but always triple check!).

Monkeypod is great for kids! They offer FREE butter noodles.

Best time to go to Monkeypod is Happy Hour to enjoy a discount on appetizers, pizzas, beers, and (my fave) Mai Tais!

See our full review here: Monkeypod Kitchen Restaurant

🍽 Best for: Lunch or Dinner
🕒 Best time to go: Happy Hour
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Monkeypod Kitchen Restaurant - Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Monkeypod Restaurant - Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii - Steak

Monkeypod Restaurant - Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii Green Mashed Potatoes

Monkeypod Restaurant - Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Hula Grill & Barefoot Bar ($$$/$$)

Whalers Village, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

Located in Whalers Village with outstanding ocean views, these two restaurants, Hula Grill and Barefoot Bar are not only owned by the same company, they are connected to each other.

Hula Grill is a little more pricey with delicious traditional Hawaiian entrees including many fish dishes (crab, snapper, shrimp) and land dishes (chicken, steak, short rib, emu).

Barefoot bar is more casual ($$) serving burgers, fish and chips, pizza. The fun part about the bar, your feet are in the sand. Usually, they have live music and entertainment.

Regardless of which restaurant you try, I love their Mai Tai's which are served in tiki glasses topped with the umbrella! Also, you MUST try the Hula pie! It’s vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream with an Oreo crumble pie crust, with whipped cream and fudge on top (served at both restaurants)! Best part is - they are walking distance from the Kaanapali hotels!

🍽 Best for: Lunch or Dinner
🕒 Best time to go: Happy Hour
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Hula Grill and Barefoot Bar, Maui, Hawaii

Hula pie at Hula Grill Barefoot Bar in Kaanapali Beach - Maui, Hawaii

Mai Tai and Beer at Hula Grill Barefoot Bar in Kaanapali Beach - Maui, Hawaii

Merriman's Kapalua ($$$$)

Location: 1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761

The perfect spot for sunset drinks and dinner, and a fine dining restaurant right on the water overlooking Kapalua Bay. Their cocktails are superb, made with fresh ingredients. The farm to table menu has a variety of fresh fish like Mahi Mahi and savory steak. Make a reservation a month in advance to get in around sunset (you can google "sunset in Maui" and a time table will appear). Merriman's about a 15 min drive from the Kaanapali resorts.

🍽 Best for: Dinner
🕒 Best time to go: SUNSET FOR THE VIEW!
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Yes, the sky was PINK! Made my Mai Tai much more enjoyable with a view like this:

Merriman's Kapalua Restaurant - Beautiful Sunsets

Merriman's Kapalua Restaurant - Favorite Mai Tai

Call ahead and make reservations or use Resy.com

Aloha Mixed Plate ($$) - BACK OPEN AGAIN!

Location: 1285 Front Street, Lahaina

Star Noodle had taken over their location but as of October 2024, Star Noodle moved next door and Aloha Mixed Plate moved back home to their original location. You get the most bang for your buck here! Good sized portions of traditional Hawaiian fare.

What to order: I went for the traditional Aloha Mixed Plate -most popular combination - shoyu chicken, thinly sliced teriyaki rib eye, fresh fish served with macaroni salad and steamed white rice. I also indulged in a Lava Flow which is half strawberry daiquiri and half Pina colada.

Dessert - You must get the Aloha Pie - Cookie crumble, coconut ice cream, fudge topped with coconut flakes. Calories don’t count on vacation.

🍽 Best for: Dinner
🕒 Best time to go: Sunset
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Star Noodle ($$)

Location: 1287 Front Street, Lahaina NEW LOCATION****

See our full review here: Star Noodle Restaurant Review

So many people highly recommended Star Noodle to us, but every time we tried to go on previous trips, there was always a long wait. We made a reservation ahead of time and we finally made it to Star Noodle! It’s right on the water with a great view of Lanai and the perfect spot to watch the sunset. I HIGHLY recommend you make reservation at least a month out to dine at the restaurant.

Star Noodle is known for Asian shared plates, noodle dishes & sake cocktails.

MUST TRY: The garlic noodles and pork buns were so great, they brought us back a second night when we picked up food to go to eat on our balcony! Pro tip: Order the garlic noodles with the udon noodles (they are bigger, thicker, delicious noodles).

We went 3 times in one trip and our staples were the Pork Buns and Chicken Wings for appetizers, along with the Pork Udon (ramen type dish with pork, pork broth, and udon noodles) and the garlic noodles.

For dessert, they did have some interesting ice cream flavors: Ube Oreo, Mint mango, and Pineapple lichee.

Star Noodle has a full bar, but I wasn’t impressed with the selection. Their food is definitely worth the wait.

See our full review here: Star Noodle Restaurant Review

🍽 Best for: Dinner
🕒 Best time to go: Sunset
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Star Noodle Ice Cream Flavors: Ube Oreo, Mint mango, and Pineapple lichee.

Maui Brewing Company ($$)

Locations: 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753 and NEW LOCATION in the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort - 2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

Maui Brewing Company is great for a beer (variety of selections on tap both local and from the mainland) and appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches. Try the Black Rock dip and chicken wings, you won't be disappointed!

One thing to note, the Honoapiilani Highway restaurant closed and is now walking distance within the Kaanapali resorts!

Fun Fact: The actual Maui Brew Co brewery is closer to the airport near Kihei.

🍽 Best for: Lunch or Dinner
🕒 Best time to go: Happy Hour
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Sale Pepe ($$) - NOW OPEN

Address: 157 Kupuohi St STE J1, Lahaina, HI 96761

Sale Pepe has returned after their storefront being destroyed in the Lahaina fires!

An Italian and New Yorker opened an Italian joint in Hawaii and it is PERFECTION! We had a few of their pizzas and pasta and can’t wait to come back for more.

We ordered 2 pizzas and a pasta dish and got 3 meals out of it for the 2 of us. Our favorite pizza was the Tomato, Fior di Latte, Red Onion, Pecorino, Maui Cattle Co. Meatballs Pizza. They cut their slices in fourths, so if you want smaller pieces I suggest you make the request when you order! Indoor seating also available here.

🍽 Best for: Pizza
🕒 Best time to go: Dinner
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Lunch at Aloha Braised Food Truck

Address: 58 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, HI 96761

We went here two days in a row we liked it so much. It’s a little off the beaten path but also conveniently located next to a grocery store and near our favorite dive shop, Extended Horizons! If you like spicy, you must try the Volcano Chicken (fried chicken with spicy mayo) served with rice and mac salad! Josh liked the pork belly! Get a side of crinkle-cut fries to share!

🍽 Best for: Lunch
🕒 Best time to go: Afternoon
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Aloha Braised Food Truck - Volcano Chicken

Lahaina Coolers ($$) - PERMANENTLY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

OLD Location: 180 Dickenson St #107, Lahaina, HI 96761

Amazing spot for breakfast (or lunch) just off Front Street! There was NO wait on a Saturday morning at 8:30a! We sat out on the patio and had great service right away! I indulged in the Local Benedict (served over Hawaiian sweet bread with Kalua pig) and did not leave hungry. Josh ordered the breakfast sandwich, which was good, but not as good as the benedict. Their potatoes are a perfect mix of french fries and tater tots! Also, try their homemade hot sauce, but caution, it’s SUPER SPICY if you overload!

Lahaina Coolers - Maui, Hawaii - Breakfast

Lahaina Coolers - Maui, Hawaii - Breakfast Hot Sauce

Gazebo Restaurant ($$)

Location: Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger, 5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

Great breakfast spot, however, it’s always crowded. Try and get there 30 minutes before they open to beat the line. We waited for about an hour after arriving a tad after 7:30a, but saw the most amazing rainbow while waiting (pictured below along with the pancakes that I was too excited to eat and forgot to take a picture of them whole).

Pro-tip: You can go around the back to place an order go (see where the lady is standing in the picture), then sit right on the beach and enjoy your meal with a view of Napili Bay!

The macadamia nut pancake combo with pineapple and banana pancakes made the wait worth it! Make sure you get coconut syrup and whipped cream on top. Their coffee was fresh and strong, definitely order the fresh POG juice (pineapple, orange, guava).

It's about a 15 minute drive from Kaanapali resorts.

Pro tip #2: park in the free beach parking by Merriman’s then go to the beach/snorkeling after breakfast. Just wait those 30 minutes before you swim! ;-)

🍽 Best for: Breakfast
🕒 Best time to go: Early Morning
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Gazebo Restaurant for Breakfast in Lahaina

Down the Hatch ($$) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRES - Hope they open a new location soon!

OLD Location: 658 Front St #102, Lahaina, HI 96761

We went to Down the Hatch on our last day, in which we were heading to the airport. We decided to order breakfast to go to enjoy at a park along the beach! My breakfast burrito was amazing with a chipotle aioli sauce of some sort and the coffee was freshly brewed.

The downside, if I may, was that football games were on and the restaurant was super busy, taking about 30 mins for my food to go.

Best Restaurants in Wailea

Wailea is known for its luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and some of the best dining experiences on the island. From upscale oceanfront restaurants perfect for romantic dinners to laid-back spots ideal for families staying nearby, Wailea offers a wide range of memorable places to eat. If you’re looking for exceptional food, stunning sunset views, and convenient dining close to your resort, these are the best restaurants in Wailea to add to your Maui itinerary.

Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante at the Four Seasons Wailea ($$$)

Location: Four Seasons - 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

After being in Maui for a few weeks, we hadn’t had much Italian food and were so excited about our reservation at Ferraro’s! We came hungry and ordered a lot of food for 2 people…

For an appetizer, we started with the Al Forno Fired Focaccia Bread (Nduja Butter, Roasted Garlic, Maui Olive Oil, Fried Rosemary), which was fantastic. The Nduja Butter was made with salami and was rather tasty.

For dinner, I ordered the Pappardelle A.O.C. Ragu Bolognese (Pork and Beef Ragu, Shaved Pecorino, Fiore Sardo) and there wasn’t a bite left. Josh ordered the Spaghetti Carbonara (Guanciale, Organic Egg, Pecorino Romano, Black Pepper) heavy white cream sauce with a pepper kick. Good, but not our favorite. Call us crazy, but we ordered a side of Gnocchi (Brown Butter, Rosemary, Black Truffle), yes, we ordered a side of pasta to go with our pasta and don’t regret it one bit. It was the best gnocchi we’ve ever had.

You’d think we’d stop there after all the carbs, but no, we went for dessert. So, we liked the options on the regular menu but saw there was an Apple Pie with Vanilla ice cream on the kids/teens menu, and that’s what we went with. It came out looking like a tart and was perfect.

This is one of our new favorite restaurants and we will definitely come back.

🍽 Best for: Italian
🕒 Best time to go: Early evening
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Pappardelle and Gnocchi at Ferraro’s Wailea

Lineage in Wailea ($$$)

Location: 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753

cinnamon leaf and POG Sherbet at Lineage

You might recognize Chef Sheldon as a finalist on the show Top Chef, and after trying his food and drinks you can see why he made to the finals! His theme is eat, drink, and talk story - which is what we did at Lineage!

DRINKS: The Mai'a Tai is different from most Mai Tais but has a delicious spin to the tiki classic. Mai'a Tai - Banks 5 Rum, Banana Milk Punch, Walnut, Pecan, Giffard Apricot de Rousillon, Lime, Almond~Spice Liqueur

FOOD: Josh and I split the Korean Fried Chicken and had both the Sweet Kochujang and Spicy Jalapeno Garlic - Crispy fried chicken, pickled kohlrabi, sesame seeds, peanuts and kochujang glaze. The chicken was tender and perfect with a light kick but not too spicy. Complimentary tea was served to cleanse our palettes and savor our dishes.

DESSERT: We were pretty full but had to try dessert! We had the sherbet flavors cinnamon leaf and POG (Pineapple, Orange, Guava juice). The pog was so tangy and refreshing while the cinnamon leaf had a spice to it. Very yin and yang!

HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA'A ($$$)

Location: Grand Wailea - 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753

Easy for you to say! This was our favorite place to get a drink a fancy cocktail in the bar and watch the sunset. Humuhumnukunukuapua’a means triggerfish with a snout like a pig (it’s a reef triggerfish). Their recipe for The Grand has a lighter taste without the dark rum and topped off with a wonderfully sweet pineapple vanilla foam.

Make reservations ahead of time for dinner here, the menu looks fantastic!

🍽 Best for: Cocktails and Appetizers
🕒 Best time to go: Sunset
👶 Kid-friendly? No

Wolfgang Puck’s Spago at the Four Seasons Wailea ($$$$)

Location: Four Seasons - 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

DRINKS: The mixologists at Spago have come up with some really inventive, and delicious, takes on the Mai Tai, giving that floating in the ocean without a care in the world feeling!

The 1944 - Plantation Xaymaca Run, Duquesne Aged Rhum Agricole, Dry Curacao, Lime
The Spago Maui - Plantation Pineapple Rum, Koloa Dark Rum, 151 Proof Rum, Apricot Brandy, Almond, Lime, Pineapple
The Stirred - Plantation Xaymaca Rum, Duquesne Aged Rhum Agricole, Plantation Pineapple Rum, Dry Curacao, Citrus Oils

FOOD: We enjoyed a nice sunset dinner at Spago overlooking Wailea Beach. Adam Sandler was sitting at the table next to us! For dinner, I savored the Pan Roasted Puna Chicken with surfing goat cheese, chili, garlic, and roasted Aloun Farm's vegetables and Josh had the Wiener Schnitzel with marinated fingerling potatoes, watercress, and Styrian pumpkin seed oil.

Don’t forget dessert! Try the decadent Valrhona Chocolate Soufflé topped with Guanaja Valrhona chocolate sauce & vanilla ice cream! So rich and delish!

🍽 Best for: Dinner
🕒 Best time to go: Sunset
👶 Kid-friendly? No

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN

Don’t forget, there is a Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea too! See the Kaanapali section for more or see our full review here: Monkeypod Kitchen Restaurant

Best Restaurant in Paia / Road to Hana

Mama’s Fish House ($$$)

Location: 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779

Mama’s Fish House is one of Maui’s most iconic dining experiences, known for ultra-fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and unforgettable oceanfront views. It’s a must-visit for special occasions and first-time visitors looking for a classic Hawaiian fine dining experience. Great for dinner and drinks on the North Shore. We went here on our way back from the Road to Hana adventure. See our guide here: ROAD TO HANA GUIDE

I'm not a fish person particularly, but I did try some and it was the best fish I’ve ever had. I enjoyed their short rib and a couple of Mai Tai's (love that it's served in a tiki glass)!

Make a reservation in advance, we used Opentable. Parking is valet only.

🍽 Best for: Fish
🕒 Best time to go: Early evening
👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

BONUS: MAUI COFFEE AND ICE CREAM SUGGESTIONS!

Island Cream Company ($)

Location: 305 Keawe St #511, Lahaina, HI 96761

I'm not sure Island Cream Company just tastes better because it's in Hawaii (everything is better in Hawaii) or if it's their original recipe with the perfect mix of gelato and ice cream. All ice creams are hand made as well as their cones, fudge and other fun toppings. Most ice creams are natural and products are bought locally.

My favorite was the Maui-Loco filled with Macadamia nuts, chocolate chips and caramel in a creamery coconut ice cream base. So refreshing and delicious!

See our full review here: Island Cream Co

Island Cream Company - Ice Cream in Maui

Island Cream Company - Peanut butter Ice Cream in Maui

Coffee and Breakfast at Island Press Coffee

Address: 2580 Kekaa Dr STE 104, Lahaina, HI 96761

You can’t go wrong with an egg, cheese, and bacon croissant with a Mac nut latte! They also have other croissant variations as well as other pastries (try the crumb cake). We went here twice, taking our breakfast to go to enjoy on the beach!

Island Press coffee and breakfast croissant

Grandma’s Coffee ($)

Location: 9232 Kula Hwy, Kula, HI 96790

Perfect place for coffee and breakfast if you're attempting the back way to Hana. Fresh coffees, espresso drinks and pastries will leave your tummy happy and full.

From central Maui, head up Haleakala Highway 37 from the Hana Highway. Following Highway 37 traverse Haleakala Crater while enjoying the spectacular upcountry Maui views. Continue on to the picturesque community of Keokea, home of Grandma's Coffee House. Grandma's is a short distance from the Kula botanical Gardens and on the way to Tedeschi Vineyards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants in Maui

What are the best restaurants in Maui?

Some of the best restaurants in Maui include Mama’s Fish House, Monkeypod Kitchen, Merriman’s Kapalua, Tin Roof Maui, and Star Noodle, offering everything from casual local food to upscale oceanfront dining.

Do you need reservations at Maui restaurants?

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended for popular Maui restaurants, especially for dinner and oceanfront dining, and should often be booked weeks in advance during peak seasons.

Where should I eat in Maui by location?

Kahului is best for casual local food near the airport, Wailea is known for upscale resort dining, and Kaanapali, Lahaina, and Kapalua offer scenic oceanfront and resort-friendly restaurants.

Are there kid-friendly restaurants in Maui?

Yes, Maui has many kid-friendly restaurants, including casual eateries, food trucks, and restaurants with outdoor seating that are well-suited for families.

What is the best area to stay in Maui for food?

Wailea and the Kaanapali–Lahaina area are the best places to stay for food lovers, offering the widest variety of dining options from casual spots to fine dining with sunset views.

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HAWAIIAN ISLANDS: Oahu vs Maui vs Kauai vs The Big Island - which island is best?

🌴 Overview of the Main Hawaiian Islands

While Hawaii is made up of eight major islands, four are most commonly visited by travelers:

Oahu – Best for first-timers, history, beaches, and nightlife
Maui - Best Overall Island for Families, Couples & Babymoons
Kauai – Best for nature lovers and laid-back escapes
Big Island – Best for volcanoes and unique landscapes

Below, we’ll dive into what makes each island special — and who it’s best for.

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Not sure which island fits your travel style?
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Oahu

Why Visit Oahu?

World-famous Waikiki Beach
Pearl Harbor and historic landmarks
Great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife
Easy public transportation (no car required)

Best For:

✔ First-time Hawaii travelers
✔ City lovers who still want beaches
✔ History buffs
✔ Travelers without a rental car

Keep in mind: Oahu is busier and more fast-paced than other islands — perfect if you like energy, but not ideal if you’re craving solitude.

See our Oahu Guide - What to do and Where to go

Maui

🌺 Maui: Best Overall Island (Families, Couples & Babymoons)

If you want the best mix of relaxation, adventure, and beautiful beaches, Maui consistently ranks as the top choice.

Why Visit Maui?

Incredible beaches like Wailea and Kaanapali
The iconic Road to Hana
Snorkeling, whale watching, and waterfalls
Luxury resorts and family-friendly hotels

Best For:

✔ Families with kids
✔ Couples & babymoons
✔ Travelers who want variety without island-hopping

Why Maui shines: It offers that classic “Hawaii vacation” feel without being overwhelming.

See our ULTIMATE Maui Travel Guide - Where to stay, what to do, and (most importantly) where to eat!

Kauai

🌿 Kauai: Best for Nature & Relaxation

Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is lush, dramatic, and incredibly peaceful.

Why Visit Kauai?

The breathtaking Na Pali Coast
Stunning hikes and waterfalls
Fewer crowds and a slower pace
Minimal nightlife — maximum nature

Best For:

✔ Nature lovers
✔ Honeymooners
✔ Travelers seeking quiet and scenery

Good to know: Kauai is less developed — great for unplugging, but not ideal if you want shopping or nightlife.

See our full Kauai Guide - Where to Stay, Restaurant Recommendations, and things to do in Kauai

Big Island

🌋 Big Island: Best for Adventure & Volcanoes

The Big Island of Hawaii offers the most diverse landscapes of any island — from black sand beaches to active volcanoes.

Why Visit the Big Island?

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Black, white, and green sand beaches
Stargazing on Mauna Kea
Less touristy feel

Best For:

✔ Adventurous travelers
✔ Repeat Hawaii visitors
✔ Those wanting something unique

Note: The island is large — driving distances are longer than on other islands.

Are you looking for a fast-paced or relaxing kinda trip?

More Relaxation - Kauai was like driving through a jungle most of the time! The island felt very spread out, and as it is the garden isle, it was so lush and green. We went in January which was very windy and wet, though I hear that’s often the weather pattern in Kauai. We stayed in Poipu and it wasn’t very crowded. No one felt like they were in a rush here, which was nice for a change.
A little of both - Maui is great so that you can get to remote areas like staying in Hana to unplug for a few days. Or, you can stay in Wailea or Kaanapali at a resort with ocean views and beach access (and spas!). You’ll still have shopping areas and more options to zip around the island.
Fast-Pace - Oahu is very city-like with lots of high-end retail stores, high-rise buildings, and traffic if you stay in Waikiki! If you’re looking for nightlife, this is your place! The North Shore is more laid back if you want to head up there to relax or catch a surf competition.

See our shopping list (with some great budget-friendly dresses and tons of Hawaiian outfit ideas) straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials

Outdoor Activities

Kauai - So many things to do outdoors!

Hiking is available on all three islands, though we did more hikes in Kauai than the other 2 combined! There are many levels of difficulty and well, mud. You can also casually tube down the mountains via water tunnels and canals in some spots!
Take a helicopter tour around Kauai. Ours was canceled 3 times due to weather so we were unable to go, but the pictures and sites we saw from the ground would have been even better from a birds-eye view.
Go on a snorkel tour and see the island from the outside looking in.

Maui - Lots of water activities!

Tour the Road to Hana for lava tubes, hiking, red and black sand beaches, waterfalls, and swimming! The gorgeous remote views will take your breath away!
Check out what’s under the sea. Lots of great snorkeling and scuba sites all over the west side of Maui. If you don’t want to get wet, check out the aquarium to see the beautiful Hawaiian reef behind glass. During the winter months (November-May), humpback whales migrate through the sheltered ʻAuʻau Channel between the islands of Maui county!

Oahu - So much to explore!

Visit Pearl Harbor! I was surprised by how much there was to see and do there, and most of it is free! There are ships, submarines, and planes you can walk on for an inexpensive price! Get there early before tickets sell out.
Hike up the inactive volcano, Diamond Head, and take in Waikiki views from above.
Surf gnarly waves! Some of the best waves in Hawaii can be found on Oahu beaches.

The Big Island - VOLCANO!

Mauna Kea often erupts and you can see it! Pro-tip: stay until it gets dark to see the lava glow in the crater!
Great coffee in Kona!

RELATED POST: Maui with Kids - Why Maui is perfect for families

Oahu - View of Waikiki Beach from Diamond Head

Are you a hotel resort or Airbnb type of person?

Kauai has smaller resorts compared to Maui and Oahu, but they also have some Airbnb type options as well.
Maui has bigger resorts and more Airbnb type options. Resort prices range from 3 stars to 5 stars along the sand beaches!
Oahu has lots of skyscraping hotels in Waikiki with lively nightlife! If you have your window open in your room, it almost sounds like New York city with honking and traffic.
The Big Island - Has great resorts if you’re a tourist. The Airbnb locations might not have as many walkable restaurant options.

No matter which island you choose, we ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!

Beaches - Do you want to layout or participate in water activities?

Kauai - We stopped at a few beaches driving along the coast and most were completely empty! Great sand to layout on or take a long walk.
Maui - Lots of beaches to visit on the west side! If you drive further away from the resorts, you might have a beach to yourself! However, the resorts do have a lot of water activities available such as parasailing, jet ski, etc. If you’re into that!
Oahu - Head towards the North Shore for less crowded beaches, although the Waikiki waves were pretty fun! Lots of water activities available here too.
The Big Island - Has a few beaches perfect for kids with shallow entry and a reef barrier! You can also swim with Dolphins at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

See our shopping list (with some great budget-friendly dresses and tons of Hawaiian outfit ideas) straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials

Restaurants - Do you prefer fine dining or more casual restaurants?

Kauai - Some fine dining, but more local casual spots. Folks like to turn in early here. We enjoyed Merriman’s which wasn’t too far from our hotel in Poipu.
Maui - It’s a bit of a mix and match of both fine dining near the bigger resorts as well as great local spots with loco moco! Our favorite restaurant is Monkeypod Kitchen and they have 2 locations (Wailea or Kaanapali)!
Oahu - More chain-like restaurants here, but definitely some great fine dining options. My favorite restaurant was the Top of Waikiki, a revolving restaurant with 365 views! Sounds like it is permanently closed due to the lack of tourism in 2020!

How do you budget travel to Hawaii and how do you island-hop?

GREAT question! If you’re traveling on a budget, I recommend using points and miles. Plan at least a year in advance if you need to save up! Alaska Airlines offers a great deal if you have their credit card - you can have a companion fly for a discounted price upon booking! Sometimes my flight as a companion is only $150 and free checked bags (1 per person)! Make sure you book well in advance to take advantage of this opportunity. Chase credit card points are also good as they have a 1:1 ratio for points and miles. The Marriott Bonvoy credit card offers a free night a year! I’m happy to give you free pointers if you contact me!

✈️ Can You Visit More Than One Island?

Yes! Many travelers combine islands on longer trips.

Popular combos:

Oahu + Maui → City + relaxation
Maui + Kauai → Beaches + nature

✈️ Inter-island flights are short (30–45 minutes) and frequent.

💸 Is Hawaii Expensive?

Hawaii can be pricey, but planning helps.

Average costs (per night):

Budget hotels: $200–$300
Mid-range resorts: $350–$500
Luxury resorts: $600+

Saving tips:

Book early
Travel shoulder season
Use grocery stores for breakfasts & snacks

📅 Best Time to Visit the Hawaiian Islands

Best weather: April–June & September–October
Whale season: December–April (best on Maui)
Peak crowds: Summer, holidays, spring break

Hawaii is beautiful year-round — choosing when to go often depends on crowd tolerance and budget.

Island Comparison

  
    
        Island
        Best For
        Vibe
        Top Experiences
        Ideal Trip Length
        Crowds
        Rental Car
      

    
        Oahu
        First-time visitors, culture, nightlife
        Lively, urban + beach
        Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, North Shore
        5–7 days
        High
        Optional
      

        Maui
        Families, couples, babymoons
        Relaxed, scenic, upscale
        Road to Hana, whale watching, Wailea/Kaanapali beaches, snorkeling
        7–10 days
        Medium
        Recommended
      

        Kauai
        Nature lovers, honeymooners
        Quiet, lush, laid-back
        Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, waterfalls, hiking
        5–7 days
        Low–Medium
        Required
      

        Big Island
        Adventure seekers, repeat visitors
        Wild, diverse, spacious
        Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, Mauna Kea stargazing
        7–10 days
        Low
        Required
      

  

Island	Best For	Vibe	Top Experiences	Ideal Trip Length	Crowds	Rental Car
Oahu	First-time visitors, culture, nightlife	Lively, urban + beach	Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, North Shore	5–7 days	High	Optional
Maui	Families, couples, babymoons	Relaxed, scenic, upscale	Road to Hana, whale watching, Wailea/Kaanapali beaches, snorkeling	7–10 days	Medium	Recommended
Kauai	Nature lovers, honeymooners	Quiet, lush, laid-back	Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, waterfalls, hiking	5–7 days	Low–Medium	Required
Big Island	Adventure seekers, repeat visitors	Wild, diverse, spacious	Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, Mauna Kea stargazing	7–10 days	Low	Required

Which Island is best? Dolphins at the Hilton Waikoloa are great for families — New Dolphin Show at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on The Big Island

QUIZ: Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?

If you’ve read this far and still can’t decide, this quick quiz will point you in the right direction.

Quick Guide & Planning tips:

🌆 First time? → Oahu (Where to stay, what to do)
🌺 Best all-around? → Maui (Start planning here)
🌿 Love nature & quiet? → Kauai (Everything you need to know)
🌋 Want adventure? → Big Island

Hawaiian Islands FAQ

Which Hawaiian island is best for first-time visitors?

Oahu is usually the best choice for first-time visitors thanks to iconic beaches like Waikiki, major attractions, historic sites such as Pearl Harbor, and the widest variety of restaurants and activities.

Which Hawaiian island is best all-around?

Maui is often considered the best all-around Hawaiian island because it offers a balance of beautiful beaches, resort areas, outdoor adventures, and easy day trips like the Road to Hana.

Which Hawaiian island is best for families?

Maui is very family-friendly with calm beaches, resorts with pools and kid amenities, and plenty of easy activities for all ages.

Which Hawaiian island is best for nature lovers?

Kauai is best for nature lovers who want lush scenery, waterfalls, hiking, and a slower, more peaceful pace.

Can you visit more than one Hawaiian island in one trip?

Yes. Many travelers visit multiple islands on longer trips, commonly pairing Oahu and Maui or Maui and Kauai using short inter-island flights.

🌈 Final Thoughts

No matter which Hawaiian island you choose, you’ll find unforgettable beaches, warm aloha spirit, and incredible scenery. The key is picking the island that matches how you want to travel, not just what looks best on Instagram.

👉 For detailed itineraries, family-friendly tips, and hotel recommendations, explore the rest of my Hawaii travel guides here on The Sweetest Escapes.

Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

See which island suits your vacation by relaxation, crowds, outdoor activities, beaches, restaurants, and hotels! See our comparison post to help choose which island for your next Hawaiian beach vacation - Oahu, Maui, The Big Island, or Kauai?

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Kat Cregg 1/8/26 Kat Cregg 1/8/26

Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House (Easy, No Gingerbread Required)

Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house decorated with pink buttercream and sprinkles — Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house decorated with pink buttercream and heart candies

How to Make a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Without Gingerbread

This Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a fun, festive twist if you love making a gingerbread house at Christmas, you’re going to love this Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house with no Gingerbread required. It’s a fun, festive twist on a classic holiday activity—made with soft sugar cookies instead of gingerbread, pastel icing, and Valentine-themed decorations that kids (and adults) can’t get enough of. Oh and pink… lots of pink! 💗

This sugar cookie house is perfect for Valentine’s Day baking with kids, classroom parties, or a cozy weekend activity at home. There’s no waiting for stiff gingerbread to cool, no rock-hard pieces to wrestle with—just an easy sugar cookie dough that bakes up sturdy enough to build, but delicious enough to eat.

Looking for more sugar cookie house ideas beyond Valentine’s Day?
See our complete Sugar Cookie House Guide for easy builds, kid-friendly designs, and creative ideas for every season.

✨ Jump to a Section ✨

What Is a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House?
Sugar Cookie House Shopping List
Ingredients for a Sugar Cookie House
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Recipe
Step-by-Step Cookie House Assembly

What Is a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House?

A Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a festive cookie house made from sturdy rolled sugar cookies instead of gingerbread. The cookies are baked flat, assembled with thick icing or buttercream, and decorated with Valentine-themed candies, sprinkles, and frosting. It’s easier to build, better tasting, and perfect for kids.

Why You’ll Love This Valentine Cookie House

No gingerbread required – softer, tastier sugar cookies
Kid-friendly – easy shapes, simple assembly
Customizable – pink, red, hearts, sprinkles, candies
Perfect Valentine activity – baking + decorating in one

Whether you’re looking for a unique Valentine’s Day tradition or just want a creative alternative to cupcakes and candy, this cookie house is guaranteed to be a hit.

What Is a Sugar Cookie House?

A sugar cookie house is built just like a traditional gingerbread house—but instead of gingerbread, you use rolled sugar cookie dough cut into house panels. Once baked and cooled, the pieces are assembled with icing and decorated with Valentine-themed candies, frosting, and sprinkles.

It’s easier for beginners, more forgiving for kids, and honestly… much better tasting. I love gingerbread houses- minus the gingerbread!

Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house decorated with pink buttercream and heart candies

Valentine Sugar Cookie House Shopping List

These tools make building a Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house easier—especially with kids. Shop our Amazon Favorite Baking List!

Baking Essentials

Rolling pin (use adjustable thickness rolling guides if you have one)
Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
Sharp knife or pizza cutter (for cutting house panels)
Baking sheets

Decorating Tools

Piping bags (reusable or disposable)
Round piping tips (or cut the tip off the bag)
Small offset spatula or butter knife
Reusable squeeze bottles (great for little hands)

Valentine Decorations

Valentine sprinkles (pink, red, white)
Conversation hearts
Mini marshmallows
Heart-shaped candies or chocolates

Optional (But Helpful)

Gel food coloring (pink, red, white)
Small bowls for sorting candy
Plastic knives or spoons for kids
Apron or parchment for easy cleanup

💡 Tip: If you already make sugar cookies at Christmas, you likely already have most of these on hand—this project just uses them in a new, festive way. I’m using red M&M’s from a leftover bag of red and green Christmas M&M’s!

Ingredients for a Sugar Cookie House

This Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house uses the same sturdy sugar cookie dough I rely on for our Christmas cookie houses. It’s specifically designed to hold its shape while baking, making it perfect for building—without sacrificing flavor.

Sugar Cookie Dough

Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Milk
Sprinkles

💡 This is not a soft drop-cookie dough. It’s a rolled sugar cookie dough that bakes flat and sturdy enough to support walls and a roof. It tastes similar to shortbread cookies.

Buttercream Icing (for Assembly & Decorating)

Instead of royal icing, I use a simple buttercream frosting to assemble and decorate my sugar cookie houses—and I’ve never had an issue with them falling apart. It’s easier to make, tastes better, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Buttercream Ingredients

Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk or cream (as needed)

That’s it. No specialty ingredients, no meringue powder.

Valentine Decorations (Optional but Fun!)

Valentine sprinkles
Pink, red, and white candies
Conversation hearts
Mini marshmallows
Heart-shaped candies or chocolates

Valentine's Day Sugar Cookie House Template — Sugar Cookie House Template

Sugar Cookie Dough Tips (Important!)

These tips are key to making sure your Valentine cookie house actually stands up:

✔ Use the Same Recipe + Method

I use the exact same sugar cookie dough and steps from my Christmas sugar cookie house—no changes needed. The dough is intentionally:

Firm
Easy to roll
Resistant to spreading

If you’ve made my gingerbread-style sugar cookie house before, you’ll feel right at home here.

✔ Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough before cutting helps:

Keep edges sharp
Prevent spreading
Ensure straight walls and roof pieces

If the dough becomes soft while working, pop it back in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.

✔ Roll Dough Evenly

Roll the dough to an even thickness (about ¼ inch). Uneven dough can cause warped pieces, which makes assembly harder.

✔ Bake Until Just Set

You want the cookies:

Fully baked
Lightly golden on the edges
Firm once cooled

Underbaked cookies will bend; overbaked cookies can crack.

✔ Cool Completely Before Building

Let all cookie pieces cool completely before assembling. Warm cookies are fragile and more likely to break when handled.

Free Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Template

If you want perfectly sized walls and roofs without guesswork, we created a free printable sugar cookie house template that makes Valentine’s Day cookie houses even easier. The template works beautifully with sugar cookie dough and helps keep every piece uniform so assembly is simple and stress-free.

This printable is perfect for:

Valentine’s Day sugar cookie houses
Heart-themed or pastel designs
Decorating with kids

👉 Download the free sugar cookie house template here:
https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/shop/gingerbread-house

Tip: The same template can be reused for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and any themed sugar cookie house you want to create.

Buttercream Frosting Design for Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House

Buttercream Tips for Structure

To make sure your cookie house stays sturdy:

Make the buttercream very thick — it should hold stiff peaks
Use it generously where pieces connect
Let assembled sections sit for a few minutes before adding the roof
Decorate once the structure feels stable

If your frosting feels too soft, add more powdered sugar until it’s firm enough to act as glue.

Buttercream vs. Royal Icing for Cookie Houses (FAQ)

Can you really build a cookie house with buttercream?

Yes! A thick buttercream frosting works very well for sugar cookie houses. I’ve used buttercream for multiple cookie houses without any issues with them falling apart. As long as your cookies are fully cooled and your frosting is thick enough, buttercream provides plenty of structure.

Why do most recipes recommend royal icing?

Royal icing is often recommended because it dries rock-hard, which makes it ideal for gingerbread houses that need maximum stability or are meant to be displayed for long periods. However, it’s not the only option—especially for sugar cookie houses that are meant to be enjoyed and eaten.

Does buttercream taste better than royal icing?

In my opinion, yes. Buttercream has a richer, creamier flavor and is much more enjoyable to eat than royal icing, which can be very hard and dry once set. For cookie houses that double as dessert, buttercream is a big win.

Will buttercream hold up if kids are helping?

Absolutely. Buttercream is more forgiving than royal icing, which can crack or harden too quickly. It’s easier for kids to pipe, spread, and decorate with—making it ideal for family baking or classroom-style projects.

When is royal icing the better choice?

Royal icing may be a better option if:

You want a house to sit out for many days
You’re building a large or very tall structure
The house is mostly decorative and not meant to be eaten

For most home bakers and kid-friendly projects, buttercream works beautifully.

Can I use buttercream for both assembly and decorating?

Yes! Buttercream works for both building and decorating your cookie house. You can tint it pink, red, or white for Valentine’s Day and use it to attach pieces, pipe details, and secure decorations all in one step.

Why Buttercream Frosting Works for Cookie Houses

While royal icing dries rock-hard, a thick buttercream icing works surprisingly well for sugar cookie houses when used correctly.

Here’s why I prefer it:

Better flavor – everyone actually wants to eat it
Easier to work with – no precise mixing ratios
Pantry-friendly – no special ingredients required
More forgiving – great for baking with kids

As long as the frosting is thick and your cookies are fully cooled, buttercream holds the house together just fine.

Lace-Inspired Cookie Details (Valentine’s Day Touch)

Lace-style baking details are trending right now, and they’re a beautiful way to give your Valentine’s sugar cookie house a soft, romantic look. You don’t need special tools — simple royal icing techniques can create a lace-inspired effect that feels elegant without being fussy.

Ideas that work especially well on cookie houses:

Piped “lace” trim along roof edges
Heart-shaped windows with lace-style icing borders
Delicate icing patterns on doors or balconies
Light dusting of edible pearls or sanding sugar for texture

💡 Tip: Keep lace details minimal so the house still feels fun and kid-friendly.

Frosting and decorating ideas for Valentine’s Sugar Cookie House - kid-friendly — Frosting and decorating ideas for Valentine’s Sugar Cookie House

Kid-Friendly Valentine Cookie House Decorating Ideas

Decorating is the best part—and this Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is meant to be fun, low-pressure, and kid-friendly. With soft sugar cookies and easy buttercream frosting, kids can help decorate without worrying about pieces breaking or icing hardening too fast.

Set Up a Decorating Station

Before you start, lay everything out so kids can decorate their Valentine Cookie House independently:

Bowls of Valentine sprinkles
Pink, red, and white buttercream
Small candies and heart-shaped decorations
Plastic knives or spoons for spreading frosting

This keeps things organized and lets kids focus on creativity instead of waiting for help.

Let Kids Decorate Flat Pieces First

For younger kids, it helps to:

Decorate the cookie panels before assembling the house
Keep designs simple—dots, hearts, stripes, and swirls
Avoid heavy candy on roof pieces

Once the pieces are decorated, you can assemble the house for them or let older kids help. I always decorate the pieces before assembling!

Easy Decorating Ideas Kids Love

These simple ideas are perfect for little hands:

Heart windows using conversation hearts
Sprinkle roofs pressed gently into buttercream
Polka dots made with candy melts or mini candies
Frosting swirls piped along edges and seams
See my Pinterest board for decoration inspiration

There’s no “right” way—every cookie house turns out different, and that’s part of the fun.

Decorating Tips for Success

Use thick buttercream so decorations stay put
Work slowly and take breaks if kids get overwhelmed
If something falls off, just add more frosting and try again

Remember: this is about fun, not perfection.

Make It a Valentine Tradition

Turn decorating into a yearly tradition by:

Letting kids choose the candy colors
Writing names or hearts on the house with frosting
Taking photos before it gets eaten

These cookie houses make sweet Valentine memories—and a dessert everyone actually wants to eat.

Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Recipe (Easy & Kid-Friendly)

Making a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House, requires a little homework and preparation! I made my own template - Gingerbread House blueprint template.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Bake Time: 12–15 minutes

Total Time: ~2 hours

Yield: 1 Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house

Ingredients

2 cups butter, softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I love Vanillas of the World)
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
1 – 2 cup buttercream icing (see recipe in next section below)

Directions - Sugar Cookie Dough That Holds Its Shape

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 325F.

Step 2 - In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in 2 tablespoons milk and 2 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. At first it may look dry but after adding the liquids it comes together. With a wooden spoon (or cute spatula), stir in sprinkles and any remaining flour.
Step 3 - Divide dough in half. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle (or 15-20 mins in the freezer if you run out of time). You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days. On large sheets of parchment paper roll out dough portions to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Lightly flour the top of the dough (put cling wrap between) as necessary to keep it from sticking to the rolling pin. Pro Tip: I lined my cookie sheet with parchment paper so I could cut the excess dough and throw them in the oven!
Step 4 - Using my gingerbread house template, set pattern pieces on the dough; use a sharp knife (or roll a pizza cutter) to cut around each pattern piece. Remove excess dough. Remove pattern pieces; set aside.
Step 5 - Transfer cookie dough cutouts on parchment paper to a large cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes on pan. Remove to wire racks and cool completely. Use a knife (or pizza slicer) to cut edges evenly, if necessary. Use excess to make different heart shapes, if desired.
NOTE: Some of my pieces were pretty thick, so when I put them in the oven, I baked more on the 15-20 min side. It might have been too long because the edges were dry and would kinda crumble when I went to cut them evenly.
Step 6 - Decorate as desired with buttercream icing (see recipe below), candies, and decorative sprinkles. Refrigerate for 20 mins. Assemble cookie house, using buttercream icing as glue. Let stand until firm.

Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house built with rolled sugar cookies instead of gingerbread and decorated with buttercream icing. — Back of Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house decorated with pink buttercream and sprinkles

Best Frosting or Icing for Valentine’s Day House

The best frosting for Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House construction is buttercream frosting. Most use Royal icing but Buttercream frosting also works and tastes much better.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted if possible
1-2 tablespoons milk
Divide and add food coloring

Directions

Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar cup by cup until fully incorporated. Beat in vanilla extract.

Pour in milk and beat for an additional 3-4 minutes. Add food coloring, if using, and beat for thirty seconds until smooth or until desired color is reached.

Sugar Cookie House Assembly - use Sprinkle container to help construct

10 Easy Step by Step Instructions of Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Construction

To build and construct a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House, follow these easy step by step instructions:

Make the dough ahead of time - you need it to chill in the refrigerator at least an hour before making (or the freezer for 20 mins).
While you’re waiting, make a plan for the sizing of your pieces. Check out my Gingerbread House blueprint template if you need one!
Preheat your oven to 325F after your chill time is complete.
Roll the dough 1/4” thick, I use these rolling guides for my rolling pin so I know it’s the right size. Pro-tip: I roll on the baking mat so it doesn’t slip. To prevent the dough from sticking to the pin, put extra flour on the top and bottom of the dough and put a layer of cling wrap on top, then roll over the dough! Mess free!
Place your blueprint pieces on top of the dough and cut around them with a knife or pizza cutter!
Transfer dough cutouts to a cookie sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes on pan then move to wire racks and cool completely. Use a knife (or pizza slicer) to cut edges evenly, if necessary.
While the cookies are cooling, make your frosting and check Pinterest for design inspiration, like my Valentine’s Day Treats and Baking Ideas board.
Decorate your heart away (pun intended) with buttercream icing (see recipe below), candies, and decorative sprinkles. Refrigerate for 20 mins.
Assemble cookie house using buttercream icing as glue. Start with the front and a side piece of the house, first. Pro-tip: Use a soup can or sprinkle jar to help support the house while the frosting firms up. Then apply the second side and back of the house.
Decorate around the house and take a few pictures before indulging!

For more sugar cookie house ideas and holiday designs, visit our Sugar Cookie House Guide.

Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House dough

Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House FAQ

Can you make a sugar cookie house without gingerbread?

Yes! A sugar cookie house is built using sturdy rolled sugar cookie dough instead of gingerbread. The cookies bake flat, hold their shape well, and are much easier to work with—making them perfect for Valentine’s Day cookie houses.

Is a sugar cookie house easier than a gingerbread house?

Yes, sugar cookie houses are easier than gingerbread houses. The dough is softer to roll, doesn’t need long cooling times, and is more forgiving during assembly, especially when kids are helping.

What frosting works best for a sugar cookie house?

A thick buttercream frosting works very well for sugar cookie houses. When made stiff, buttercream acts as glue to hold the cookie pieces together while also tasting better than traditional royal icing.

Can you really build a cookie house with buttercream?

Yes, you can build a cookie house using buttercream frosting. As long as the cookies are fully cooled and the frosting is thick enough to hold stiff peaks, buttercream provides plenty of structure for assembling and decorating.

Does buttercream hold up when baking with kids?

Absolutely. Buttercream is easier for kids to pipe, spread, and decorate with compared to royal icing. It’s more forgiving, doesn’t harden too quickly, and allows kids to fix mistakes easily.

Do you need to chill sugar cookie dough for a cookie house?

Yes, chilling the dough is very important. Cold dough holds its shape better during baking, prevents spreading, and helps create straight, sturdy walls and roof pieces for your cookie house.

How thick should sugar cookies be for a cookie house?

Sugar cookies for a cookie house should be rolled to an even thickness of about ¼ inch. This thickness provides enough strength for building while still baking evenly.

Can you decorate a sugar cookie house before assembling it?

Yes! Decorating the cookie pieces before assembling the house is especially helpful when baking with kids. Flat pieces are easier to decorate, and you can assemble the structure once the frosting has set slightly.

How far in advance can you make a Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house?

You can bake the cookie pieces 1–2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. The assembled cookie house is best enjoyed within 1–2 days for freshness.

Is a Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house good for classroom parties?

Yes, Valentine’s Day sugar cookie houses are great for classroom parties. You can pre-bake the pieces, provide buttercream and decorations, and let kids decorate without worrying about hard gingerbread or stiff icing.

Whether you’re starting a new Valentine’s Day tradition or just looking for a fun baking project to do with kids, this Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a sweet way to celebrate. With soft, sturdy sugar cookies, easy buttercream frosting, and endless decorating options, it’s a festive activity that’s just as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Save this recipe for later, pin it for Valentine’s Day inspiration, and come back to it year after year for a cozy, creative holiday treat everyone will love.

Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house decorated with pink buttercream frosting, heart candies, and festive Valentine sprinkles.

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Road to Hana Best Stops (2026): Must-See Stops + Map & Honest Tips

Planning the Road to Hana? 🌴 This 2026 guide shares the best stops on the Road to Hana, a helpful map, how long the drive really takes, safety tips, what to avoid, and advice for visiting with kids. Perfect for first-time Maui visitors planning a stress-free day trip. Save this for your Hawaii trip planning!

Kahanu Garden - National Tropical Botanical Garden Road to Hana Views — **Kahanu Garden - National Tropical Botanical Garden**

Best Stops on the Road to Hana (2026 Guide + Map & Real Tips)

UPDATED January 1, 2026

The Road to Hana is one of Maui’s most iconic drives — and also one of the most overwhelming to plan. With over 600 curves, dozens of waterfalls, and endless pull-offs, it’s impossible to stop everywhere in one day.

This guide breaks down the best Road to Hana stops that are actually worth it, based on driving the route multiple times. We’ll cover must-see stops, how long the drive really takes, whether it’s worth it, tips for families, and include a map so you can plan without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii

  Road to Hana Quick Facts
  ⏱ Time Needed: 8–12 hours round trip
🚗 Distance: ~64 miles round trip
🛣 Curves: 600+
🌉 Bridges: 50+
👶 Kid-Friendly? Yes (with planning)
🚙 Rental Car OK? Yes
🗓 Best Start Time: Before 7am

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The Road to Hana: Complete Guide with Map and Directions 2023

$7.00 $10.00

Download our ROAD TO HANA COMPLETE GUIDE for 23+ stops! It is filled with more information on popular stops including pro tips on what to do while you’re there, parking tips, and awesome food stops! It’s your guide to a perfect day along the Road to Hana! By purchasing, you’re helping support the blog with the time and effort put into these posts. 😉

Jump to:

Best Stops on the Road to Hana
Road to Hana Map
Road to Hana With Kids
Drive It Yourself vs a Tour
What to Skip on the Road to Hana

Before you Begin - Road to Hana Map

Download our ROAD TO HANA COMPLETE GUIDE or something you can access Road to Hana stops offline. Cell reception can be spotty, especially when you're looking for that waterfall you've been dying to see. Make sure you save the guide to an offline source like the "Books" app on your iPhone.

Here is a Road to Hana map that coincides with all stops listed below that you can turn on, and save to your Google Maps app:

Prior to your departure, map out about 6 stops for the day. We have more stops below as we’ve done this drive multiple times, but you can't do all of these in one day.

PRO TIP: On your flight to Hawaii is a GREAT time to make your Road to Hana plan! Download our ROAD TO HANA COMPLETE GUIDE PDF prior to your flight to your computer, tablet, or smartphone in an offline app!

How long does it take to drive the Road to Hana? That’s a loaded question! It takes about 3 hours to get to Hana Town from Kaanapali or Wailea. It’s then up to you how long you want to spend at stops and how far you want to travel.

The Best Road to Hana Stops (If You Only Have One Day)

If this is your first time driving the Road to Hana, these are the stops that give you the best experience without rushing or burnout:

Coconut Glen's ice cream (15 mins)
Lava Tubes (30 mins)
Black Sand Beach (30-60 mins) - YOU MUST MAKE A RESERVATION
Red Sand Beach - Koki Beach (30 mins)
Haleakala National Park (2 hours - if you do the long hike)

Make sure you bring water (especially for the hike) and snacks for the car. Go for a swim! Don't forget to bring other necessities for the day - download our ROAD TO HANA COMPLETE GUIDE which includes a complete PACKING LIST.

Start early and come back before dark, the roads aren't well lit at night. Jeeps are the best for driving some of these trails. Get a great deal on rental cars with Booking.com.

To drive the Road to Hana you can go 2 ways:

Normal Way - Take highway 365 to 360 and start clockwise on the Northside.
Back Way - Head south on Highway 37 and come up counterclockwise to the Northside.

Total drive time is about 6 hours driving to the furthest point (Haleakala National Park) and back without stopping. Be careful on the turns, as some of them go down to one lane. Of course, with so many amazing stops and fabulous views, it doesn't seem that long!

We've driven around Hana both ways. The rental car companies advise you not to come "the back way" to prevent wear and tear on the unpaved, rocky, jagged roads. Here’s what the back way to Hana looks like (before it gets extremely bumpy for 20+ minutes):

I also used these sites to guide us along the highway:

Maui Guide - Beautiful photos and great info for all stops on the Road to Hana
MAUI GUIDE BOOK - great info for Hana, and all things Maui

It rains more often on Hana Highway, make sure you check the latest weather predictions and Road Closures - before you head out.

If you don't feel like driving (I don’t blame you), check out this amazing Road to Hana Tour with Activity Authority recommended by a local!

FIRST STOP: HALFWAY TO HANA

If you travel the traditional clockwise way, your first stop should be the Halfway to Hana stand! Stop for the banana bread - it's amazing, and perfect for breakfast! Try their shave ice on your way back, but no judgment if you have it first thing In the morning!

Halfway to Hana - Banana Bread and coffee stand

Check out our ULTIMATE MAUI TRAVEL GUIDE including where to stay, what to do and best restaurants!

Best Restaurants in Maui Top 10 Things to do in Maui

BEST SIGHTS TO SEE ON THE ROAD TO HANA:

Is the Road to Hana Worth It?

✔️ Yes, if you enjoy waterfalls, lush scenery, and slow travel
❌ No, if you hate long drives or tight roads
✔️ Worth it for first-timers who start early
❌ Not ideal if you’re short on time or prone to motion sickness

The numbers and sights below are in order traveling clockwise representing the mile marker on the Road to Hana (there are markers you'll see along the side of the road).

Mile Marker #2 Twin Falls

Park in the lot and you can hike down to the falls. If you keep to the left split you'll find Ho’olawa li’ili’i; if you head up to the top, there is another waterfall Ho’olawa nui.

The Twin Falls have split waterfalls that feed into a pool. Many people love to swim here during the day, but beware - the water is pretty cold! Although it does feel nice on a warm day!

Twin Falls with rope swing on Road to Hana

Parking: Lot available but fills up quickly with tour buses, or you can park along the road. Make sure you turn in your mirrors; those roads are narrow and we've seen them get knocked off! Don't let it happen to you. They also have a snack stand and porta-potties.

Rainbow Eucalyptus seen along the Road to Hana — Rainbow Eucalyptus

Mile Marker #7 Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees

The largest grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees can be found near mile marker 7. No need to stop as they can be seen along the highway. These trees with streaks of beautiful colors are scattered throughout the drive, and prominent at the Ke’anae Arboretum as well as areas right before Hana town.

What is a rainbow eucalyptus?

Per Wikipedia: Patches of outer bark are shed annually at different times, showing a bright green inner bark. This darkens and matures to give blue, purple, orange, and then maroon tones. The previous season’s bark peels off in strips to reveal a brightly colored new bark below. The peeling process results in vertical streaks of red, orange, green, blue, and gray.

Mile Marker #19 Upper Waikani Falls - 3 Bear Falls

3 Bears Falls also known as Upper Waikani Falls

You can see from driving along the road (pictured above). There are so many waterfalls, I don't think this one is worthy of an actual stop.

Parking: There are spots to pull over on the side of the road.

Mile Marker #27 1/2 Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream

MAUI HAWAII Coconut Glen's Ice Cream - Road to Hana — Coconut GLen’s Ice Cream

Organic, vegan ice cream made with coconut milk from coconuts found in the jungles of Maui. I was skeptical of the words "vegan" and "coconut milk," but it was quite delicious. Also, they serve their ice cream in coconut shells! We went there on our way back to the hotel; just note their hours when you go.

Check out our full review here: ICE CREAM REVIEW: Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream

Parking: Has a parking lot with a turtle. Look closely under the shrubs.

Nahiku Marketplace (1546 HI-360, Hana, HI 96713) is also close by, and is a great place to stop for coconut shrimp, fresh fruit, smoothies, or Hawaiian mixed plates!

Mile Marker #31 Lava Tubes or Ka'leleku Cave

Just past mile marker 31, turn left onto Ulaino Road. Drive 0.4 miles to the “Hana Lava Tube” visitor center entrance. The entry fee was $12 a few years ago. It may have gone up (cash only), which provides a quick overview and history as well as a map and a flashlight to explore.

Road to Hana - Maui, Hawaii Lava Tubes (Copy)

The Lava Tube is about 1/3 mile long and was formed when massive lava flows cooled off on the surface, creating an insulating conduit with lava flowing underneath. During eruptions, the cave served as a channel for the lava to travel along underground until it reached the ocean. In the tubes, you will find lavacicles, stalactites, and a few skylights along the way. We spent about 30 minutes getting to the end and back. Above ground, there is a maze full of ti plants (a maroon color). Good luck!

Parking: There is a parking lot!

Mile Marker #31 Kahanu Garden - National Tropical Botanical Garden

Address: 650 Ulaino Rd Hana, HI

Just down the street from the Lava Tubes, lives a lush botanical garden with waterfalls & gorgeous coastal views.

Per their website: Plant collections from the Pacific Islands are the focus here, particularly plants of value to the Hawaiian people as well as other cultures of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Kahanu Garden is situated in the storied land of Honoma'ele and home to Pi'ilanihale Heiau, a massive lava-rock structure that is believed to be the largest ancient man-made structure in Polynesia.

Kahanu Garden - Tropical Botanical Garden - Road to Hana - Maui, Hawaii (Copy)

You can take a guided tour or just wander around (which we did for about 30-45 minutes). Tour info per their website:

Tour Duration: 2 hours
Check day and operating hours on their website
Ticket Prices for a guided tour: Adults (13 and older) - $30 | Children (12 and younger) - free*
Ticket Prices for self-tour: Adults (18 and older) – $12 | Kamaaina – $7 |Teen (17-13) – $5 | Children (12 and younger) – free | Hana Residents – free*
*ticket prices are subject to change. Make sure you check their website for the latest info!

Pro Tip: Just past the twin falls there is the Garden of Eden Arboretum (10600 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708), but the views are better at Kahanu Garden.

#32 Waianapanapa State Wayside Park - Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach views on the Road to Hana — Black Sand Beach views

This is the main black sand beach with a few sea caves to explore. It’s really different to see the black sand between your toes! According to Skylinehawaii.com, a common way that black sand and black sand beaches are formed is when hot lava hits the cold ocean water and cools very quickly, causing it to shatter and break into pieces of basalt fragments of all sizes-- including grains of black sand.

There are a couple of paths that you can get a little hike and take a moment to stretch your legs! You can even bring food and eat at the picnic tables. Camping is available here if you’re into that!

NEW: All visitors and commercial operators will need to make reservations to enter the popular Waiʻānapana State Park on Maui, beginning on March 1, 2022. Make your reservation HERE. There are 2-3 hour blocks including an entrance fee per person and parking fee per vehicle:

Entrance Fee

Hawaii Residents = Free w/ Drivers Lic. or ID
Non-Residents = $5.00 Per Person
Children 3 and Under = Free

Parking Fees

Non-Commercial Vehicles

Residents = Free w/Hawaii ID or Drivers Lic.
Non-Residents = $10 per vehicle

Commercial PUC Vehicles

1-7 passenger vehicles: $25
8-25 passenger vehicles: $50
26+ passenger vehicles:$90

Parking: There is a parking lot as well as public bathrooms!

Road to Hana - Maui Hawaii, Black Sand Beach (Copy)

Hana Town

Hana Town stretches for a few miles and here are a few sites you can't miss!

Mile Marker #50 Hamoa Beach

Hamoa Beach on the Road to Hana — Hamoa Beach

One of Hawaii's most spectacular beaches hidden on the beautiful Koki Peninsula. Perfect for a refreshing swim or working on your tan on the shore.

Parking and Directions: Drive south on Hana Hwy, turn left on Haneoo Road, then continue driving through the neighborhood until you see the ocean and an area with cars parked along the road. Park on Haneoo and walk down the hill or steps to the beach.

Lunch Spots in Hana

Shave ice at the Food Truck Stop on the Road to Hana — Shave ice at the Food Truck Stop

See our COMPLETE ROAD TO HANA GUIDE for a detailed list of restaurant options in Hana (farm stand and even more stops!).

We love to stop at the food trucks - Da Fish Shack and I Lava Tacos!

Address: 5260 Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713

Da Fish Shack - Food truck along Hana Highway. Have fish any way you like it, tacos or burgers - they have it all. There was also a shave ice truck right next to It where you could get a sweet treat, ice cream, or coffee.
I Lava Tacos - AMAZING burritos and tacos can be found at this food truck!

Don’t forget to grab some shave ice or a sweet vanilla cone!

Kaihalulu: Red Sand Beach

A gorgeous private red sand cove. The sand is actually more deep red-black, which contrasts with the blue water. The cinder cone behind the beach erodes constantly, which enlarges the sand cove. The iron-rich hill makes the beach's sand deep red in color.

Many people have been hurt or killed over the years trying to get to this spot. A local has told me this is sacred ground and we need to respect the Hawaiians!

Instead, visit Koki Beach, another red sand beach that is easy to get to and find out more in our Road to Hana Guide!

Mile Marker #41 Haleakala National Park - Kipahulu

Directions: Continuing clockwise past Hana Town, you will find the entrance for Haleakala National park near Mile Marker #41. Parking is $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per pedestrian or bicyclist. Although it is probably the furthest stop on the Road to Hana, there is a lot to do here, so it is best to try and start your day here and work your way back. Pro-tip: For GPS directions, search Kīpahulu Visitor Center.

From this entrance, there are some great hikes in the park, including our favorite trail to Waimoku Falls. You can also follow another trail to take a dip in the Seven Sacred Pools. This is not the same entrance you would use to watch the sunrise at the top of Haleakala, which is located on the other side of the dormant volcano.

The Haleakala National Park site has all info regarding closures as well as hiking trail maps: Click Here

Pipiwai Trail Bamboo Forest - Road to Hana - Maui Hawaii (Copy)

PIPIWAI TRAIL - BAMBOO FOREST

Our favorite hike is to take the Pipiwai Trail, a 4-mile roundtrip hike through the lush bamboo forest, ending at the gorgeous waterfall known as Waimoku Falls.

The hike can be a little steep at times, but not a severe incline, filled with stunning sites and walking through a thick bamboo forest. I loved the sound of the bamboo stems hitting each other in the wind.

WARNING: On one of our trips, there was a "closed" sign due to the fallen trees blocking the trail ahead. Sometimes a ranger patrols the post to prevent people from passing. If violated, you can get a $100 fine, so I'd play by the rules for your safety.

After following the Pipiwai Trail, there were signs to follow a trail to get to the waterfall. There were quite a few places where you had to cross streams and jump onto rocks, but that just adds to your "adventurous" life status.

At the end of the trail, you'll be standing and gazing at a huge 400ft waterfall that is known as Waimoku Falls. The more rain, the bigger the stream!

Mile Marker #42 'Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) - in Haleakala National Park

Around mile marker 42, look real quick to catch a glimpse of ‘Ohe‘o Gulch, a cleft in the island that has layered pools and numerous waterfalls on the east end of Haleakala National Park. 'Ohe'o means "Something Special", which definitely suits these special pools. Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, when water levels are safe, there are actually more than seven pools open to swimming.

Make sure you obey all signs; some areas are known for rock slides and have killed people. Also, be mindful when swimming directly below a fall, as natural debris may flow over.

We finally swam in the pool in October 2019, which was cold but felt refreshing after our long hike. There are tons of slippery rocks that didn’t work out well barefoot or with flip flops. I HIGHLY recommend water shoes with tread.

Maui, Hawaii - Road to Hana 'Oheo Gulch - Seven Sacred Pools

Maui, Hawaii - Road to Hana 'Oheo Gulch - Seven Sacred Pools (Copy)

Haleakala National Park site has all info regarding closures as well as hiking trail maps: Click Here

Driving the Road to Hana With Kids

Is the Road to Hana worth it for kids? Yes, but you MUST plan ahead! It is an all day adventure in the car so keep these in mind:

Bathroom stop reality
- There are a lot of stops that have restrooms, but not all do
- Make sure you know where the closest restrooms are (state parks, general store, restaurant)
Snack strategy - Pack snacks like you are leaving for 5 days
Nap expectations - Hopefully if your toddlers are still napping, they can sleep in the car! If not, maybe a stroller walk around the Black Sand Beach.
When to turn around
- Try and make your last stop before lunch your furthest point.
- Start making your way back after lunch, you can make more stops along the way as long as your little one(s) can handle it!
Safety near waterfalls
- Be Cautious of Freshwater Illness - Avoid swimming if there are posted warnings and don’t let kids swallow waterfall water.
- Toddlers and young kids should stay within arm’s reach at all times.
- Rocks near waterfalls are often slick with algae so wear water shoes with good grip are safer than flip-flops or bare feet.

Here are the most Toddler Friendly Stops and the order we recommend:

Haleakala National Park for a hike through the Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest) to Waimoku Falls (park near Kīpahulu Visitor Center)
'Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) for a swim
Lunch in Hana Town - Food trucks will give you the most options
Black Sand Beach (Wainapanapa State Park)
Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream

See more things to do in Maui and full guide for Maui with kids including a 5-day itinerary!

Drive It Yourself vs a Road to Hana Tour

One of the biggest decisions when planning the Road to Hana is whether to drive yourself or book a guided tour. Both options have real pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your travel style.

🚗 Driving the Road to Hana Yourself

Best for: Independent travelers, families with kids, early risers, photographers

Pros:

Go at your own pace
Stop (or skip) whenever you want
Easier with kids who need snack, bathroom, or nap breaks
More flexibility to turn around early if needed

Cons:

The driver can’t fully enjoy the views
Requires navigating narrow, winding roads
Parking at popular stops can be competitive

Good to know:
Starting early (before 7am) makes a huge difference if you’re driving yourself. Roads are quieter, parking is easier, and the experience feels far less rushed.

🚌 Taking a Road to Hana Tour

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, travelers who don’t want to drive

Pros:

No driving stress
Local guides share history and hidden spots
No worrying about directions or parking
Often includes lunch and key stops

Cons:

Fixed schedule and limited stop time
Less flexibility with kids or nap schedules
Can feel rushed at popular spots
Long day sitting on a bus

Good to know:
Tours are a great option if you’re nervous about the drive or want to relax and take in the scenery without navigating tight roads.

⭐ Our Honest Take

If you’re traveling with kids, we strongly recommend driving yourself. The flexibility to stop when you want, adjust the day as needed, and skip crowded spots makes the experience far more enjoyable.

If you’re visiting without kids and prefer a stress-free day where someone else handles the logistics, a guided tour can be a great choice.

There’s no wrong option — the best Road to Hana experience is the one that fits your travel style.

What to Avoid on the Road to Hana

The Road to Hana can be an incredible experience — but a few common mistakes can turn it into a stressful or unsafe day. Here’s what to avoid to make the most of your drive.

🚫 Trying to Do Too Much

It’s tempting to stop at every waterfall and lookout, but that’s the fastest way to feel rushed and exhausted.

Pick a handful of must-see stops
Build in time for bathroom and snack breaks
It’s okay to skip stops and enjoy the drive

🚫 Starting Too Late in the Day

Late starts lead to traffic, full parking areas, and pressure to rush back before dark.

Aim to start before 7am
Morning drives are quieter and more enjoyable
You’ll have better lighting for photos

🚫 Driving Past Your Comfort Level

The road is narrow, winding, and not the place to push through stress.

Turn around if the drive becomes overwhelming
Don’t feel pressured to complete the full loop
There’s no “right” endpoint for everyone

🚫 Parking Illegally or on the Roadside

Illegal parking is one of the biggest safety issues on the Road to Hana.

Never block the road or bridges
Avoid stopping where parking isn’t clearly allowed
Fines are common and roads are too narrow for mistakes

🚫 Ignoring Weather and Water Conditions

Conditions can change quickly, even on sunny days.

Skip waterfall swimming after heavy rain
Avoid muddy, fast-moving water
Respect all posted warnings and closures

🚫 Trespassing or Ignoring Signs

Many roadside areas are private property.

“No Trespassing” signs are there for a reason
Stick to clearly marked public stops
Respect local communities and residents

🚫 Letting Kids Wander Near Water or Roads

This drive requires extra attention with children.

Keep kids within arm’s reach near waterfalls
Watch carefully near roadside pull-offs
Use water shoes and avoid slippery rocks

🚫 Relying on Cell Service

Cell service is unreliable along much of the route.

Download maps ahead of time
Screenshot directions and stop lists
Don’t assume GPS will work everywhere

⭐ Parent Tip

The best Road to Hana days are flexible ones. If kids are tired or conditions don’t feel right, it’s always okay to turn around early — you’ll still see plenty of beauty along the way.

Watch our video that has a collection of a few trips along the Road to Hana:

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The Road to Hana: Complete Guide with Map and Directions 2023

$7.00 $10.00

Mai tai at Mama's Fish House in Maui Hawaii — Click photo for Top 10 Restaurants in Maui

Heading Back Before Dark

After our adventure in Haleakala National Park, we turned around and went back the way we came, stopping for ice cream halfway at Coconut Glen’s (see above - Mile Marker 27.5).

The roads are narrow and harder to see at night as there aren’t many street lights. It can take up to 3 hours to get from Haleakala National Park back to Kaanapali Beach.

We stopped and had dinner at the infamous Mama's Fish House (make a reservation ahead of time on Opentable).

Pro Tip: You can continue on the Road to Hana from Haleakala National Park, but the roads are very bumpy, narrow (1 lane most of the time), and unkempt. It also breaks your terms with most rental car companies. The safest way is to go back the way you came, especially if it is your first time on the Road to Hana.

TRY OUR FREE ROAD TO HANA GUIDE: CLICK HERE

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

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Road to Hana - Best Stops with Maps - Maui Hawaii

Best Stops on the Road to Hana with Maps - Maui Hawaii

Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii

Get your FREE Road to Hana guide by clicking here: FREE ROAD TO HANA GUIDE

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Maui With Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide 2026

Kids love RUnning on Airplane beach in Maui and in and out of waves

Is Maui Worth It With Kids? A Real Family-Friendly Travel Guide

Yes — Maui is absolutely worth visiting with kids. From calm beaches and stroller-friendly resort areas to kid-loving restaurants and flexible activities, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaiian islands to enjoy as a family — even with toddlers.

Our kids don’t understand how lucky they are for the amount of times they have gone to Hawaii! Maui is our favorite destination for traveling as a family. There is so much to do and the island has so much to offer for everyone. We have made some sweet memories together from having an infant to toddler and kid years.

We have learned to have a successful trip you need the balance of snacks, naps, and fun! therefore, we have recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do to entertain (and hopefully tire out) your tot!

Related Post: Don’t miss our ULTIMATE MAUI GUIDE

Quick Jump

Best Places to Stay in Maui with Kids
Best Beaches in Maui for Kids
Best Restaurants in Maui with Kids
Things to Do in Maui with Kids
5-Day Maui Itinerary with Kids
What to Pack for Maui with Kids

Best Places to Stay in Maui for Families

After many hotel and condo stays around Maui, let’s break up the island to compare which areas are best for your family!

  🏝️ Best Areas to Stay in Maui With Kids

        Area
        Best For
        Walkability
        Beach Type
      
        Kā‘anapali
        First-timers, toddlers
        ⭐⭐⭐⭐
        Sandy, swimmable
      
        Wailea
        Luxury, older kids
        ⭐⭐
        Resort beaches
      
        Napili / Kapalua
        Quiet stays, babies
        ⭐
        Calm coves

Area	Best For	Walkability	Beach Type
Kā‘anapali	First-timers, toddlers	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Sandy, swimmable
Wailea	Luxury, older kids	⭐⭐	Resort beaches
Napili / Kapalua	Quiet stays, babies	⭐	Calm coves

These are the best areas to stay in Maui with kids based on walkability, beach conditions, and family-friendly amenities.

Kaanapali vs Wailea vs Kapalua with Kids

Kaanapali is much more kid friendly, as well as budget friendly, than Wailea. Both areas of the island have family friendly hotels but Kaanapali has a long stretch of them! There is a great beach and tons of hotels and shopping along Kaanapali with a long walk way to connect everything together.
Wailea has more high end hotels that are more geared towards adults, such as the Four Seasons or the Andaz. The Grand Wailea has an awesome pool with lots of water slides but you can also get similar pools in Kaanapali.
Napili and Kapalua are further North and rockier than the previous areas discussed. It’s not as walkable as the hotel resorts are more spread out, which makes it less crowded and quieter. Kapalua bay has a great beach that doesn’t have big waves but also has a coral reef that is great for snorkeling! The Kapalua coastal trail is great for strollers or walking with a carrier.

🏨 Condo Resorts vs Hotels

Depending on your length of stay, if it’s more than 5 days, you might be more comfortable trying a condo like Outrigger’s Honua Kai! You can pick your room layout (Studio, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom or Three Bedrooms) so that you have plenty of space especially when babies or toddlers are napping and you need another room to hang out in!

Condo Rental Wins:

Pools are like resort pools! Honua Kai has one of our favorite pools complete with water slides, splash pad, and kiddie pool! You can even get food and drink poolside service from Duke’s restaurant!
My favorite feature is having a full kitchen with the little ones so you can make pancakes or have fresh fruit and milk available in a full sized refrigerator as opposed to a mini fridge.
We book through Maui Resort Rentals and they have cribs/pack n plays so you don’t have to bring a bed!

Taking first steps on a Little Beach bridges in front of Honua Kai

Best resorts for families

Don’t get me wrong, the resort hotels are wonderful too! If you have kids that are 4+, traveling is a bit easier since you don’t have to bring diapers, strollers, pack n play, etc!

Kaanapali has a few great hotel resorts:

Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
- The Westin in Kaanapali has an amazing pool area with slides, fountains, and one especially parent-friendly feature: our 3-year-old could climb up to the slide on their own and land in a shallow pool (about 1.5 feet deep). This setup was a huge win for us—it gave our toddler independence while giving us a much-needed break from constant stair climbing.
- The Westin also has great restaurants, a Starbucks, and an ARCADE!
- Other activities include feeding the flamingos and birds in the morning. Ask the front desk about the times for daily feedings. We were even able to hold the birds too!
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
- The pool at the Hyatt Regency Maui is a kid’s tropical playground that feels more like a mini-waterpark than a hotel pool. Between the sandy lagoons, waterslides, swinging rope bridge, hidden grottos tucked behind rushing waterfalls, and the legendary Ululani’s Shave Ice located right on the pool deck, it provides enough adventure to keep children entertained from sunrise to sunset.
- The Hyatt Regency Maui resort has a resident colony of African Black-Footed Penguins. Located right in the atrium lobby, these charismatic birds are a must-see, especially during the daily 9:30 AM feedings where children can watch them waddle, swim, and dive for their breakfast while learning about conservation from the wildlife team. It’s essentially a mini-zoo experience without leaving the hotel, featuring not just the penguins but also flamingos, swans, and talking parrots scattered throughout the lush grounds.
- Has a game room/arcade area geared toward kids and teens.

African Black-Footed Penguins at the Hyatt Regency Maui

Wailea also has a family friendly hotel:

Grand Wailea
- Though there isn’t an arcade, the Grand Wailea offers a kids club and teen lounge including video games and indoor activities— which is more structured and supervised than the Hyatt or Westin Arcades.
- The Grand Wailea pool is widely considered the heavyweight champion for kids on Maui. The massive Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a sprawling 25,700-square-foot playground that is actually nine individual pools connected by a network of lazy rivers and whitewater rapids.
- Children can choose from five different waterslides, including the three-story Lava Tube for the brave and gentler interconnected slides for the younger ones. Between the Tarzan rope swing, the hidden caves behind waterfalls, and a dedicated Baby Beach with a sandy bottom and zero-entry slope, it essentially functions as a private, world-class waterpark that keeps kids engaged for days on end.
  See our full review of The Grand Wailea.

🏝️ Best Beaches in Maui for Kids

The key to the best kid friendly beaches in Maui:

Calm water
Shallow entry
Easy parking
Nearby bathrooms

Here’s what we recommend:

Kaanapali Beach is great for kids who are strong swimmers or like to boogie board. There are a few free lots to park in but they fill up quickly. Otherwise it’s best to park at a resort or the Whalers Village Shopping parking lot. See more but
Airplane Beach just north of Kaanapali has a more shallow entry and calmer waves than Kaanapali. Our toddlers loved running up to the waves crashing on the shower then running from the water before it could catch them. Parking is harder to find or the free lot near the Sheraton is quite a distance and fills up quickly.
Kapalua Bay is also a great play for littles that want to play in the ocean that is more Shallow with softer waves. If you peak on the other side of the bay off the grassy knoll, you’ll find turtles sleeping. There’s a parking lot (fills up quick, get there early) with public bathrooms nearby too.
Honokōwai Beach Park has a playground AND a great beach that is protected by a rock reef so it’s more like a pool that even infants can sit and play in! There’s also a public bathroom and parking lot too!

Sleeping Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles near Kapalua Bay in Maui — Look Closely for the Sleeping Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles in Kapalua Bay

🌊 Things to Do in Maui With Kids

Easy hikes
- Iao Valley is great to wander around and has different hiking levels for all ages. There’s also a stream to swim in.
- Kapalua’s Coastal Trail is even stroller friendly with stunning beach views.
  See our full breakdown in our Maui Hiking Trails Post!
Farm visits
Kula Ranch is a great place to visit especially in October! They have a full pumpkin patch as well as a few animals to look at and pet. Kula is above Wailea but you ave to drive around to get to it. Also, try the pumpkin bread sold in the little stand!
Road to Hana Stops
The Road to Hana is such a great way to see how gorgeous Maui is filled with waterfalls, beaches, banana bread stops and more! If you do go, it is an ALL day adventure, so plan and prepare ahead of time.
You must stop at the Black Sand Beach and try to get to Haleakala National Park for a hike through the Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest). See our full list of Road to Hana Stops for more!
Professional Maui Family Photos
Maui provides the perfect background for any photo, so take your professional family portraits on the island! Think Christmas card photos - Male Kalikimaka! Our favorite local, Tracy Leboe at Baby Hawaii Photography, is super talented taking maternity photos but also captures gorgeous family moments! Book your session ahead of time.

Family photo in Maui Hawaii taken by Tracy elbow from Baby Hawaii Photography — Family Portraits taken by Baby Hawaii Photography

🍽️ Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Maui

Monkeypod is a very toddler friendly restaurant with crayons and free butter noodles for kids 3 and under. It also has great happy hour and my favorite Mai Tai! There are two locations on Maui - Kaaanapali and Wailea!
Barefoot Bar is a fun restaurant where you can eat with your toes in the sand! It is part of Hula Grill but has a separate entrance on the South side of the restaurant. They also have crayons and some good kid food options. Our kid claimed, “it was the best restaurant ever!”
The Ritz’s Burger Shack is a toddler approved restaurant located outside with a big grassy area for kids to run around. It’s also parent approved if you want to hang out and have a boozy milkshake or just watch the waves crash on the shore for a few minutes!

🧃 Easy Snacks for Kids in Maui (That Don’t Melt)

When you’re exploring Maui with kids, having the right snacks on hand can make all the difference. Between beach days, car rides, and long sightseeing stops, you’ll want options that hold up in warm weather and are easy for kids to eat on the go.

These parent-approved snacks travel well around the island and won’t melt or turn messy in your bag:

Gummies
Gummies are lightweight, easy to portion, and a favorite with kids of all ages. They’re ideal for beach bags, stroller pockets, and plane rides since they don’t melt like chocolate snacks.
Fruit Snacks
Fruit snacks are great for quick snack breaks while sightseeing or driving around the island. Look for resealable packaging so you can spread snacks out throughout the day without waste.
Pouches
Fruit and veggie pouches are especially helpful in Maui’s heat. They’re refreshing, mess-free, and easy for kids to eat while walking or riding in the car. Many are shelf-stable, so refrigeration isn’t an issue until they’re opened.

Love this idea but don’t want to pack all of this? I don’t blame you! Good news is that you can get these as soon as you land at the Target or Costco by the Maui OGG Airport!

💡 Parent Tip: Pack snacks in a small insulated pouch or shaded backpack pocket to keep them out of direct sun, especially during beach days or long drives.

Kids in a wagon walking along the beach path in Maui — We bring our Wagon instea of a Stroller

Traveling to Maui With Toddlers

Nap-friendly days
With toddlers down to one nap, we would try and get out early, because they were up early anyway, and make it back before naptime or time it where we would be in the car so they could nap.
Stroller walks
There were a lot of stroller walks up and down Kaanapali beach when we had infants and toddlers! We would bring our beach wagon and put both toddlers in for a walk!
Pool days vs adventure days
We would typically alternate pool days and adventure days but most days involved a splash in the pool regardless.
We would even use a night swim as an incentive to eat their dinner.
What to skip with toddlers
- The Road to Hana is great but is a longggg day for little ones. It’s essentially a 5 hour (or more) drive so you must plan accordingly to be on the road ALL day. You can break it up with stops but getting to the furthest point is a three hour drive straight there. Even the first stop from Kaanapali or Wailea is about a two hour drive. If you’re only in Maui for a few days this might be a good one to skip unless your kids are a bit older. If you’re pregnant and have nausea, don’t attempt it. I speak from experience.
- Haleakala sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, but don’t go with toddlers or younger.
- Sunset cruises are fun but stressful with younger kids that like to run around.

Walking along the kid and stroller friendly Kapalua Coastal Walk in Maui

5-Day Maui Itinerary with Kids

Day 1 Arrival

12p Arrival into OGG, pick up rental car

1p stop at Target, Costco, then pick up Tin Roof

3p Check into Honua Kai Condo

4p 🛍️ Head to Whalers Village for shopping and dinner at Monkeypod (get extra food for fridge). Must order: Chicken Wings, Kalua Pork Pizza, Free Butter Noodles for kids, pie slices to go to eat in room after kids go to bed. Don’t forget to order the best Mai Tai on the island! All of this is on the Happy Hour menu!

6p Back to hotel for bedtime

Day 2 Pool-time and Burgers

5a Kids wake up, make pancakes (and coffee) in room

7a Adult Breakfast pickup (or dine in) at Duke’s

8a Pool opens!

11a Back to room for lunch

12p Naptime

2:30p Drive to Ritz in Kapalua and have Linner at Burger Shack (it’s a big meal to fill up on). Must order: burger and milkshake

4p Explore Ritz and Kapalua or go to DT Fleming beach

6p Back to Hotel for Bedtime

Walking the Pipiwai Trail in Maui Hawaii with baby in baby carrier — Pipiwai Trail With Baby in Carrier

Day 3 Road to Hana Adventure

5:30a Kids wake up - make more pancakes for everyone (and another pot of coffee)

6:30a Drive the Road to Hana

8a Stretch legs at Banana Bread Stop

9a Arrive at Kīpahulu Visitor Center which is part of Haleakala National Park where you can explore the Oheo Gulch Pools, Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest), and Waimoku Falls

11a Eat a packed lunch or drive to the Food Trucks in Hana

1p Stop at Wainapanapa Beach (Black Sand Beach) - make a reservation ahead of time.

3p Drive back to hotel

5p Dinner at hotel or pick up something on the way back

6p Bedtime

Day 4 - Pool and Luau

6a Kids wake up

7a Breakfast at Slappy Cakes or The Gazebo

8a Kapalua Bay for beach time, maybe try the coastal walk

11a Back to room for lunch

12p Naptime

2:30p Quick Pool Play

5p Luau at Hyatt or Sheraton

7p Bedtime

Day 5 - Last Swim and Depart

6:30a Kids Wake Up

7:30a Breakfast at Duke’s

8:30a Take turns with your partner packing

10:30a Drive to Airport (and cry the whole way)

Tape that looks like Road that sticks to the carpet like painters tape — Sticker Tape Road and Travel Magnatiles keep them entertained in the hotel room

What to Pack for Maui With Kids

I think giving a list of what not to pack is a shorter list because we bring almost everything! One thing I will advise is there is a Costco and a Target by the airport so make your Target order for pickup before your flight takes off so it’s ready for you when you land. You can always Instacart Costco or just head in for free snacks.

Here is a copy paste of what I packed for my 2 and 4-year-old on our last trip.

Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list.

Carry-on Plane

Personal Carry-on:
- Toys & some books
- iPad
- Headphones 🎧
- Waterbottles

Wagon - We bring a wagon instead of a stroller these days now that the kids are older. Though we loved our travel stroller for when we had babies!

Snack Bag - Dedicated light weight backpack that folds up into a pouch
- Pouches
- That’s it bars
- Pirate booty
- Cereal Bars from Trader Joes
- Bear Fruit Snacks
- Gummies
- Teddy Grahams

Here is the full list of everything else that scatters into multiple bags:

Sleep

Inflatable bed x 2
Sheets x 2
Blanket x 2
Small Toddler pillows x 2
PJs
White noise / Hatch

Food Things

Food bag
Bowls 🥣
Baby Spoons 🥄
Bibs
Water cup/bottle
Milk cup
Sippy cup
Safe dish soap 🧼
Sandwich bags
Snack bowl

Travel and Misc

Car seat x 2
Car seat bags x 2
Swaddle
Clothes pins
Outlet covers
Beach bag
Beach blanket mat

Toiletries for Kids

Baby shampoo
Baby body wash
Soft Wash Cloths
Nail clippers
Brush
Kids Tylenol
Kids Sunscreen
Diaper rash cream
Baby Aquaphor/neosporin
Ear drops

Clothes and diapers

Sweatshirt for plane & Mainland airport travel
Socks
Shorts
Shirts
Swimwear
Swim diapers
Size 4 diapers
Pull ups
Overnight Diapers
Wipes
Hat
Multipurpose Sanitation wipes in ziplock bag

Toys and Entertainment - Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list

Bath Toys - Cars 🚗
Books 📚
Sand toys 🏖️
Football 🏈
Frisbee
Trucks 🛻
Cars 🚙
Sticker Road
Plane toys - coloring book, sticker book
Cards 🃏
Travel Magnatiles

Is Maui Worth It With Kids?

Yes—Maui is absolutely worth it with kids, especially for families traveling with toddlers and young children. The island offers calm, swimmable beaches, family-friendly resorts, walkable areas like Kā‘anapali, and activities that don’t require long drives or packed schedules. With the right balance of pool days, beach time, and nap-friendly outings, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaii islands to enjoy as a family. If you plan intentionally—choosing the right area to stay and skipping overly long excursions—Maui can be both relaxing and unforgettable with kids.

Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui

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Chilly Chic & Cabernet Ready: Your Ultimate Napa Winter Packing List (Mustard Season Edition!)

Wine Country Winter: The Ultimate Packing List for a Luxury Napa Getaway

Winter outfit in Napa- Sweater, skirt, tights, and booties — Napa Winter Outfit Idea: Sweater. Skirt, Tights, and Booties

Forget everything you thought you knew about what to wear in Napa Valley. While everyone else is picturing sundresses and rosé, you, my smart traveler, are about to discover the absolute magic of Napa in winter! Think cozy firesides, fewer crowds, rich Cabernet Sauvignons, and vineyards painted vibrant yellow by wild mustard flowers. It’s gorgeous!

But here’s the thing: "winter in California" isn't quite what most travelers might imagine, spoken from a native Californian. It’s mild, yes, but it can also be misty, muddy, and surprisingly chilly. So, if you're dreaming of a sophisticated winter escape to wine country, the biggest question isn't which Cabernet to sip, but what in the world to pack?!

Don’t fret, sweet escapist! They say fourth time is a charm, so I’m practically a local! After visiting Napa multiple times, I've bundled up all my secrets, tried-and-tested tips, and "oops, wish I'd brought that" moments into your ultimate Napa Winter Packing List. Get ready to be effortlessly chic, perfectly comfortable, and totally prepared for everything from a misty morning vineyard stroll to a cozy Michelin-starred dinner.

Pink Sweater, dark jeans, black rainboots, umbrella, gold crossbody bag outfit idea for wine tasting in Napa wine tour caves — Christmas outfit for Wine Tasting in Winter in Napa

The Golden Rules of Napa Winter Packing (Before We Dive In!):

Layers, Layers, Layers: This isn't just a suggestion; it's the law in Napa winter. Morning fog can give way to afternoon sun, only to drop sharply as dusk settles.
The Winter Reality: Temps in St. Helena/Yountville usually hover around 55°F during the day but drop to the high 30s at night. * Pro Tip: wine caves and barrel rooms are naturally chilled (around 55-60°F year-round), so layers are non-negotiable even if it feels sunny outside.
The Vibe: It’s not "red carpet" and it’s not "farmhand." It’s Wine Country Chic.
Comfortable Chic is Key: You'll be walking, standing, and potentially even getting a little muddy. No sacrificing comfort for style here!
Weather App is Your BFF: Always check the forecast a few days before you go, but remember rule #1 – layers will save you from any surprises.

Shop our Amazon Shopping list! https://amzn.to/3YiZ1yy

Dress hanging in Alila Hotel Closet with luggage — What’s in my suitcase Napa Winter edition

Your Essential Napa Winter Wardrobe: Look Fab, Feel Warm! Outerwear that Works (and Wows!):

The "Statement Coat": Since it’s Christmas, a classic wool wrap coat or a tailored trench is the hero of your photos.
- My coat has a hood and is waterproof (hello, mist!), effortlessly chic, and perfect for layering over everything. It instantly elevates any outfit.
A Cozy Wool or Cashmere Wrap/Pashmina:
- Why it's a must: Essential for those chilly wine cave tours (they’re usually around 55 degrees all year, but feel colder in winter!) and for adding an extra layer of warmth over dinner. Plus, it’s super stylish!

Planning your route? Check out Where to Stay, Sip, and Snack: A Curated 3-Day Winter Guide to Yountville & St. Helena!

Shop our Amazon Shopping list! https://amzn.to/3YiZ1yy

Tops & Bottoms: Smart & Stylish Layers

Long-Sleeve Blouses/Tops (1):
- Why it's a must: Think silk blouses, fine-gauge knit tops, or elegant merino wool. They layer beautifully under sweaters or jackets.
Cashmere or Fine Knit Sweaters (2-3):
- Why it's a must: For that ultimate cozy-chic vibe. Perfect for tasting rooms or a relaxed dinner.
Dark Wash Jeans (1-2 pairs):
- Why it's a must: A well-fitting pair of dark jeans can absolutely be dressed up for wine tasting. Stick to slim or straight-leg styles.
Stylish Trousers (1 pair):
- Why it's a must: Think wool blend, tailored wide-leg, or even a chic black ponte knit. Great for a nicer dinner or when you want a break from denim.
Midi Skirt or Dress (1):
- Why it's a must: For a more feminine look. Pair with fleece-lined tights (your secret weapon!) and knee-high boots.
Fleece-Lined Leggings/Tights (1 pair):
- Why it's a must: Trust me on this one! Wear them under skirts, dresses, or even under trousers on super cold (40 degrees) days. You'll thank me.
Shoes: Where Function Meets Fashion (Crucial for Winter!)
- Waterproof Fashion Booties: Why it's a must: THIS IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT SHOE. Vineyard paths can get muddy after winter rains, and you don’t want to ruin your favorite suede. Choose a comfortable pair with a block heel or flat.
- Brands to look for: Blondo, Aquatalia, Sorel, or even a chic pair of Dr. Martens. Don’t judge my $18 rain boots from Target!
Comfortable Flats or Loafers:
- Why it's a must: For indoor tastings, gallery browsing, or just giving your feet a break from boots.
Dressier Heels (Optional, 1 pair):
- Why it's a must: If you’re planning a fancy dinner (like The French Laundry or Auberge du Soleil), bring one pair of comfortable block heels or wedges. I brought block booties. Leave the stilettos at home—Napa sidewalks are not kind!

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Winter Napa Outfit Idea: White sequin Sweater, pink Trousers, gold crossbody Kate Spade bag, and black rain boots — Winter Napa Outfit Idea: Gold Crossbody Kate Spade Bag, White sequin Sweater, pink Trousers, and black rain boots

  
      Location
      The Vibe
      Suggested Outfit
    
      Downtown Yountville
      Elevated & Chic
      Trench coat, silk blouse, dark denim, and waterproof booties.
    
      St. Helena Vineyard
      Cozy & Rustic
      Fine knit sweater, pashmina wrap, and those $18 rain boots!
    
      Michelin Dinner
      Pure Luxury
      Midi skirt, fleece-lined tights, and block-heel booties.
    
      Wine Cave Tour
      Subterranean Chill
      A heavy wrap or statement coat—it's 55°F in there!

Location	The Vibe	Suggested Outfit
Downtown Yountville	Elevated & Chic	Trench coat, silk blouse, dark denim, and waterproof booties.
St. Helena Vineyard	Cozy & Rustic	Fine knit sweater, pashmina wrap, and those $18 rain boots!
Michelin Dinner	Pure Luxury	Midi skirt, fleece-lined tights, and block-heel booties.
Wine Cave Tour	Subterranean Chill	A heavy wrap or statement coat—it's 55°F in there!

Accessories: The Finishing Touches

Warm Scarf & Gloves:
- Why it's a must: For those crisp morning walks or when sipping wine outdoors on a chilly patio.
Crossbody Bag:
- Why it's a must: Hands-free is the way to be for carrying your essentials, tasting notes, and phone.
Sunglasses:
- Why it's a must: Even in winter, the California sun can be bright!

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Napa Winter Packing List - green Quarter zip comfy top — Cozy quarter Zip on Arrival Travel DAy - Napa Winter Outfit Idea

Beyond the Clothes: Napa Winter Essentials

Portable Power Bank: You’ll be taking so many photos of the mustard fields!
Lip Balm & Moisturizer: The dry indoor heat and crisp outdoor air can be tough on skin.
Electrolyte Packets: For staying hydrated (and recovering from all that delicious wine!).
Travel Umbrella: Just in case! Better safe than soggy.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated between tastings!
Wine Stain Remover Wipes (Optional, but Smart!): Shout Wipes or Wine Away are lifesavers for unexpected spills.
Airtags/Tile: If you're checking a bag or plan to ship wine home, these are brilliant for peace of mind.

What to LEAVE at Home (Especially in Winter!):

Open-Toe Shoes/Sandals: Unless you're strictly staying indoors, your toes will freeze and get dirty.
Light-Colored Suede Shoes: Mud and wine are not their friends.
Anything "Too Casual": Think gym clothes (unless you're actually going to a gym!), ripped tees, or overly worn sneakers for tasting rooms.
Stilettos: Save them for Vegas. Napa's charm is its relaxed elegance.
Beanies, gloves, etc. most wine tours and tastings are inside. We would walk from the car to the winery or restaurant and back. I wouldn’t waste the packing space for those unless you really want to hang outside for long periods of time.

Clothes, bags, and shoes for Winter packing essentials for wine tasting in Napa — Suitcase: Winter outfit packing essentials for wine tasting in Napa

Ready to Rock Napa's Winter Wonderland?

Packing for Napa in winter doesn't have to be a puzzle. With this list, you'll be prepared for any weather, looking effortlessly stylish, and ready to dive into the unique charm of Cabernet Season and the vibrant Mustard Bloom.

So, grab your trench, pack those booties, and get ready for an unforgettable, cozy, and delicious escape. Napa’s winter magic is calling!

Pin this post for your next Napa adventure!

What are your favorite winter packing tips? Share them in the comments below!

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A Curated Christmas in Napa: A Luxury 3-Day Guide to St. Helena & Yountville

Vines, Lights, and Luxury: Our Hallmark Movie Escape to St. Helena

We recently celebrated my 40th birthday just north of Napa in St. Helena and Yountville, and it was truly magical! Since my birthday is in December, the entire region was decorated for the holidays—it felt like walking onto a Hallmark movie set.

While many people flock to Napa in the summer or for Harvest Season, I wouldn’t trade this cozy, festive vibe for the world. The crowds are thinner, the vines are dormant (making way for the yellow mustard flowers!), and it’s much easier to snag reservations at luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Three days is the perfect amount of time to soak it all in. Here is our tried-and-true winter itinerary.

Alila Victorian house is the front desk and houses the restaurant and bar. — The Alila main building - front desk and restaurant

Day 1: Arrival and Fireside Luxury

Where to Stay: Alila Napa Valley

I actually teared up a little saying goodbye to our room at checkout. The Alila Napa Valley is the ultimate luxury retreat. Our balcony featured a private fire pit and a giant outdoor soaking tub with relaxing bath salts. The hotel's main building is a stunning Victorian, but the rooms are sleek, high-tech, and modern.

• Pro-Tip: This is a fantastic use of Hyatt Points if you’re a member!

fire pit, couch, and bathtub on the balcony of the Napa Alila Hotel Room — Bath tub and fire pit on the Balcony of our Alila Hotel Room

Christmas decorations and lights on the street in front of the Bouchon Restaurant entrance in Yountville — Bouchon front Entrance in Yountville

Dinner: Bouchon (Yountville)

This wasn't our first time at a Bouchon, but it was our first time at the Yountville location. Since Thomas Keller is a local, his restaurants operate with absolute perfection. Our waiter even offered to take photos of us by the Christmas decorations!

• Must-Haves: The roasted chicken, the Mac n Cheese (trust me), and the profiteroles.

English Muffin and Latte with a heart art from Model Bakery — Model Bakery Breakfast: Latte and English Muffin

Day 2: Historic Vines & "The Brightest Town"

Breakfast: Model Bakery

This St. Helena staple has been around since 1908 and is world-famous for its English Muffins (Oprah’s favorite!).

• Insider Hack: We ordered via Uber Eats and had them delivered to our Alila balcony to eat by the fire pit. It’s the perfect way to skip the line at the shop or the even longer line at Bouchon Bakery.

The warm English muffin didn’t disappoint, especially after being smothered in butter and strawberry jam!

Wine tasting in the Beringer Vineyard tour in the caves with Christmas decorations — Christmas in the Beringer Wine Caves

Wine Tasting: Beringer Vineyards

Don’t let the grocery store labels fool you—Beringer’s estate wines are high-end, exclusive, and incredible. You can book a tasting in the Rhine House, which feels like a Victorian Christmas dream or the cozy caves are decorated with lights and Christmas trees. We opted for the cave tour where Corey was our tour guide and was fantastic!

• The Bridge: If you stay at the Alila, there is a private bridge that lets you walk right into the Beringer vineyards.

• Christmas tree made out of wine barrels: The Beringer wine barrel Christmas tree is not located on the Beringer property but it is setup off a side street in St. Helena. If you’re on 128 or Main Street you’ll see the setup on Hunt Avenue which is currently closed for the display. It’s across from Model Bakery which I recommend getting a peppermint latte and frosted sugar cookie to add even more Christmas spirit!

St. Helena Beringer Wine Barrel Christmas tree — St. Helena Beringer Wine Barrel Christmas Tree near Napa - Main Street 128 and Hunt Ave

VW Brew Bus at Burgers and Half Bottles Pop-up — Brew Bus at Burgers and Half Bottles Pop-up in Napa

Lunch: Burgers and Half Bottles Pop-up

We were lucky to catch this seasonal Thomas Keller pop-up. The menu featured Wagyu burgers, lobster rolls, and fried chicken sandwiches paired with half-bottles of wine.

• The Vibe: Grab a "Pliney" from the VW Brew Bus and enjoy the casual, festive atmosphere.

Front entrance exterior of Handwritten Wines Tasting Room in Yountville near Napa — Handwritten Wines Tasting Room in Yountville

The Afternoon Stroll & Tasting: Handwritten Wines

Walk off lunch by exploring the Yountville Art Walk, which is beautifully lit for the holidays. Then, head to Handwritten Wines for a boutique, intimate "Side by Side" tasting. It’s a wonderful contrast to the grand scale of Beringer.

Ciccio Pepperoni Pizza being enjoyed by the fire pit — Ciccio Pizza - pepperoni with Hot Honey

Dinner: Ciccio

This spot is a local favorite. It has a cozy, lively, and unpretentious vibe that is perfect for a festive winter night out.

The pepperoni pizza with hot honey cannot be missed. It’s even good cold by the fire.

Day 3: The Grand Finale

Breakfast: Model Bakery (Part 2!)

We loved it so much we walked down St. Helena’s Main Street to visit in person. They have a much larger menu in-store.

• Must-Have: The Chipotle Breakfast Sandwich (egg, pepper jack, tomato, and chipotle aioli).

Model Bakery entrance with Christmas decorations in St. Helena near Napa — Model Bakery is decked out with Christmas Decorations in St Helena

Last Minute Shopping: Browse the festively decorated boutiques on Main Street in St. Helena.

In the middle of town you can find a festive 36-foot Wine Barrel Christmas Tree (a major photo op).

7 Wine Barrel Tree Fun Facts

109 Wine Barrels Stacked
Recycled Barrels Donated by Beringer Vineyards
10,500 Pounds - 36 Feet Tall
Earthquake Proof
800 Feet of Garland Used
Nearly 2600 Ornaments
St. Helena Chamber of Commerce Designed the Tree with JCD Atmospheric Studios

This Christmas tree made of Beringer wine barrels can be found in St. Helena on Hunt Ave off Main Street 128.

Barrels stacked like a Christmas tree in St. Helena near Napa valley with ornaments and garlands — St. Helena Wine Barrel Christmas Tree near Napa Valley

Lunch: Auberge du Soleil

Even on a foggy day, the view of the valley is breathtaking. This Michelin Star Restaurant didn’t disappoint! It’s a 2 or 3 course menu, so naturally I picked a main and dessert.

• The Food: The short rib with Cabernet sauce is decadent, and the Valrhona Guanaja Chocolate Fondant with mint ice cream is a chocolate lover's dream.

Auberge du Soleil Desserts Valrhona Guanaja Chocolate Fondant by a fireplace in Napa Valley — Auberge du Soleil Desserts by the fire

Final Stop: Kollar Chocolates

Before heading out, stop here for some edible art. Their truffles take three days to make and are incredibly intricate.

• Seasonal Treats: We loved the Peppermint Bark and the Chocolate Cinnamon truffle with the snowflake pattern.

Christmas designed Kollar Chocolates with Snowflakes printed on top. — Kollar Chocolates in Napa Valley (Yountville)

Christmas tree decorated in Beringer Vineyards Wine tasting cave tour — Wine Tasting in Bering Vineyards - Cave tour

4 Reasons to Visit Napa in December

1. The Christmas Spirit: Every winery decks the halls with massive wreaths and garlands.

2. The Lights: Yountville is officially the "Brightest Town in the Valley." Don't miss Bunny Foo Foo (the giant bunny statue) dressed as Rudolph at Hall Winery!

3. The Cozy Factor: Nothing beats tasting world-class Cabernet by a massive stone fireplace.

4. The Seasonal Flavors: You get access to winter-only treats like Kollar’s holiday truffles and Model Bakery’s seasonal cookies.

Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

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New Year’s Eve Lanterns in Chiang Mai: How It Works & What to Expect (video included)

Releasing lanterns in Chiang Mai on New Year’s Eve is a magical experience that often gets confused with the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. While Yi Peng takes place in November, locals and travelers also release lanterns throughout the city to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Thailand. This guide explains how New Year’s lantern releases in Chiang Mai work, where to go, what to expect, and how this experience differs from the official Yi Peng festival. Where to go and how to spend New Years in Chiang Mai #newyears #thailand #chiangmai

New Years Eve in Thailand — New Years Eve in Chiang Mai, Thailand

How to Release Floating Lanterns on New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai, Thailand

We went to the RISE festival outside of Vegas a few years ago, lighting lanterns then floating them into the night sky. However, in Chiang Mai on New Year’s Eve, they take it to another level!

Releasing lanterns into the night sky is one of the most magical ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai, Thailand — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood experiences. When I first researched this years ago, I kept running into information about the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, which actually takes place in November, not on New Year’s Eve. It made planning confusing, and I wasn’t sure what to expect when December 31 rolled around.

In reality, New Year’s Eve lantern releases in Chiang Mai are a separate, informal tradition. Locals and travelers gather throughout the city to release lanterns as a way to welcome the New Year, make wishes, and let go of the past year. There’s no official festival, no tickets, and no set schedule — just a beautiful, spontaneous celebration.

This guide walks you through what it’s really like to release lanterns on New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai, where to go, what to expect, and how this experience differs from the Yi Peng Festival, so you can plan your night with confidence.

Don’t forget to check out our video towards the bottom of the post! :)

  New Year’s Eve Lanterns in Chiang Mai – Quick Guide

  📍 Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

  🎆 When: December 31 (New Year’s Eve)

  🏮 Festival: Not Yi Peng (informal lantern releases)

  🎟 Tickets Needed: No

  🌱 Eco Tip: Use biodegradable lanterns or release one as a group

Yi Peng vs New Year’s Eve Lantern Releases in Chiang Mai

Many travelers assume all lantern releases in Chiang Mai are part of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, but this isn’t the case.

Yi Peng is a traditional lantern festival held in November, aligned with the Loy Krathong festival and Thailand’s lunar calendar. It includes official events, ticketed lantern releases, and cultural ceremonies.

New Year’s Eve lantern releases, on the other hand, are informal and celebratory. On December 31, locals and visitors release lanterns throughout Chiang Mai to welcome the New Year. While not an official festival, it’s still a magical experience and requires far less planning than Yi Peng.

Quick Comparison:

Yi Peng: November · official festival · ticketed events
New Year’s Eve: December 31 · informal lantern releases · no tickets required

This guide focuses specifically on releasing lanterns on New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai, not the Yi Peng Festival.

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WHERE TO GO FOR NEW YEARS IN CHIANG MAI

Not only is it a party in the streets of Chiang Mai, but lanterns are released everywhere ALL night long!

After our long day with the elephants at the Elephant Nature Park Sanctuary, we took a nap to gear up for NYE! As I woke up around 7p the sun had set and lanterns were floating in the air! We stayed at the De Chai The Colonial Hotel (blog post review) and could start to see some lanterns in the distance, but needed to get in the action!

We made our way from our hotel to the Tha Phae Ancient City gate where we found a mob of people. On the other side of the gate, there was a street fair full of vendors selling food and other merchant goodies. May I recommend you arrive around 10:30p if you want to grab a spot near the gate.

Filled with wall to wall people and completely overcrowded, Rachadamnoen Road was completely shut down, packed like a fish swimming upstream!

Rachadamnoen Road Vendors Glass blowing — Rachadamnoen Road CHiang Mai Vendors Glass blowing

Vendors sold all sorts of things: shirts, wallets, tchotchkes, food, jewelry, wood carved animals, you name it - they had it!

I couldn't stomach the street food and we ended up going to another restaurant near-by where we could watch the lanterns sail by.

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Thailand - Chiang Mai - New Years Eve - dinner with a lantern view — Marketplace Chiang Mai New Years Eve Lanterns Floating

LANTERNS IN CHIANG MAI ON NEW YEARS EVE

WHERE TO GET A LANTERN IN CHIANG MAI

Lanterns were typically found in packs at random vendor carts, but we found a truck parked in an alley (it wasn’t as creepy as it sounds), that was selling lanterns 3 for 100 Baht.

PRO-TIP: A lighter is key! We bought one at a nearby 7-Eleven and glad we did, everyone was asking to borrow ours!

The Tha Phae Gate (ancient city gate) has the largest gathering of people who are setting off lanterns all over the place! We found a spot around 11:30pm and did a test lantern to make sure we would be pros by midnight!

As beautiful as they are, these lanterns are fueled by fire and can be dangerous. Be aware of your surroundings as so many people released them too soon, like this one that we caught (Yes, I am wearing elephant pants that I bought for $2!). Many lanterns ended up in trees and I am so glad nothing caught on fire or anyone got hurt.

SAFETY TIP: Always wait for the lantern to feel ‘heavy’ with hot air before letting go. If it’s sagging, it’s not ready and will likely crash into a tree or a person.

2025 Update: The Thai government has increasingly restricted lantern releases to specific zones and times to protect air traffic. Releasing them randomly near Tha Phae Gate is technically becoming more restricted. Mention that travelers should check for "Designated Release Zones" to avoid fines.

New Years Eve Lanterns in Chiang Mai Thailand (Copy)

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By the time midnight rolled around, we were ready to go. After you ignite the fuel bar, it takes about 3-5 minutes for these things to fill with air to take flight, we advise lighting around 11:55p to be ready by midnight!

The New Year countdown began... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...

Chiang Mai New Year’s Eve VIDEO:

See more videos in our Chiang Mai Story on Instagram

Amongst these beautiful lanterns, fireworks started to shoot off. I was officially in a Disney movie and the lost princess was saved (that is a Tangled reference with Rapunzel if you didn't catch that)!

Chiang Mai New Years Eve Lanterns and Fireworks

This night was truly breathtaking and one I'll never forget!

Like I said in the beginning, it was really hard to find info for Chiang Mai on New Year’s Eve. Leave a comment below if you have ANY questions!

Eco-Friendly Tips for Releasing Lanterns in Chiang Mai

While releasing lanterns on New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai can be a beautiful experience, it’s important to be mindful of the environmental impact. Floating lanterns can create litter and may harm wildlife, livestock, and local ecosystems once they fall back to the ground.

If you choose to participate, consider these responsible travel tips:

Choose biodegradable lanterns made from bamboo and paper, and avoid lanterns with wire or metal frames.
Release one lantern as a group rather than multiple lanterns per person to reduce waste.
Follow local rules and safety guidance, as restrictions are often in place to protect both people and the environment.
Avoid releasing lanterns near farmland, water sources, or animals, where debris could cause harm.

Being a responsible traveler helps preserve Chiang Mai’s beauty and ensures this New Year’s Eve tradition can be enjoyed thoughtfully and respectfully for years to come.

New Year’s Eve Lanterns in Chiang Mai: FAQ

Is New Year’s Eve the Yi Peng Lantern Festival?

No. Yi Peng is not held on New Year’s Eve. Yi Peng is a traditional lantern festival that takes place in November and is tied to Thailand’s lunar calendar. Lantern releases on New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai are informal celebrations and are not part of the official Yi Peng Festival.

Why do people release lanterns on New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai?

On December 31, locals and visitors release lanterns to welcome the New Year, make wishes, and celebrate fresh beginnings. While it isn’t a formal festival, lantern releases have become a popular and meaningful New Year’s Eve tradition in Chiang Mai.

Do you need tickets to release lanterns on New Year’s Eve?

No. New Year’s Eve lantern releases do not require tickets. Unlike Yi Peng, there are no official events or organized ceremonies. People gather in public areas and release lanterns on their own.

Where can you release lanterns on New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai?

Lanterns are commonly released in open areas around the city, especially near rivers, bridges, and large outdoor spaces. Availability and rules can vary each year, so it’s important to follow local guidance and safety regulations.

Is New Year’s Eve lantern releasing as crowded as Yi Peng?

No. Yi Peng is significantly more crowded due to ticketed events and international visitors. New Year’s Eve lantern releases are more casual and spread throughout the city, creating a less structured but still magical atmosphere.

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

How to Spend New Years in Chiang Mai - See the best place to go for New Years Eve in Thailand

How to Spend New Years in Chiang Mai - Where to spend new years in Thailand

Releasing lanterns in Chiang Mai on New Year’s Eve is a magical experience that often gets confused with the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. While Yi Peng takes place in November, locals and travelers also release lanterns throughout the city to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Thailand. This guide explains how New Year’s lantern releases in Chiang Mai work, where to go, what to expect, and how this experience differs from the official Yi Peng festival. Where to go and how to spend New Years in Chiang Mai #newyears #thailand #chiangmai

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Thailand, Chiang Mai, Guide, Hotel, Hotel Review, Travel Tips, Where to stay

Thailand, Ice Cream, Koh Yao Noi, Restaurants

Ice Cream Review: Café Kantary, Cape Kudu Hotel in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Thailand, Ice Cream, Koh Yao Noi, Restaurants

My favorite hotel in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand, had the cutest and most colorful ice cream! See the fabulous Cape Kudu hotel and their food joint, Cafe Kantary. Places to eat in Thailand | Where to go in Thailand | Places to stay in Koh Yao Noi #thailand #icecream #kohyaonoi

Thailand, Ice Cream, Koh Yao Noi, Restaurants

Ice Cream, Koh Yao Noi, Restaurants, Thailand

Hotel Review: Cape Kudu - Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Ice Cream, Koh Yao Noi, Restaurants, Thailand

Our favorite hotel in Thailand was the Cape Kudu Hotel in Koh Yao Noi. Not only was it elegant, coastal and private, but it was perfectly priced too! We didn’t get the crowds of Phuket and still had the amazing island experience. Where to stay in Thailand | Best Hotel in Thailand #thailand #hotel

Ice Cream, Koh Yao Noi, Restaurants, Thailand

Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui

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The Hawaiian Islands: Which One Is Right for Your Trip?

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See which island suits your vacation by relaxation, crowds, outdoor activities, beaches, restaurants, and hotels! See our comparison post to help choose which island for your next Hawaiian beach vacation - Oahu, Maui, The Big Island, or Kauai?

Jan 9, 2026

Kat Cregg 12/14/25 Kat Cregg 12/14/25

How Much Our Maui Trip Cost (Real Prices + What We’d Do Again)

Room views from Papakea Resort - Maui, Hawaii

Is Maui Expensive? Here’s What Our Trip Actually Cost

Maui has a reputation for being expensive — and honestly, that reputation isn’t totally wrong. But after traveling to Maui for over a decade, we’ve learned exactly where the money goes, what’s worth the splurge, and what we’d happily skip next time.

In this post, we’re sharing what our Maui trip actually cost, broken down by flights, hotel, rental car, food, and activities. This isn’t a shoestring “budget Maui” guide — it’s a realistic, mid-range trip cost breakdown based on our personal experience.

If you’re wondering how much a Maui vacation really costs, whether it’s “worth it,” or how to plan your trip without constant sticker shock, this guide will give you a clear, honest picture before you book.

Is $2000 enough for a week in Hawaii? Scroll down for a full cost breakdown, plus what we’d change to spend more — or less — on a future trip.

For just $3 get our Budget and Itinerary Template to plan your own Maui trip! Sample and packing list included!

💰 How Much Our Maui Trip Cost

Trip length: 5 nights
Travelers: 2 adults
Style: Mid-range (not budget, not luxury)

Category	Cost
✈️ Flights	$1035
🏨 Hotel	$1020
🚗 Rental Car	$375
🍽 Food & Drinks	$680
🎟 Activities	$467.90
🛍 Miscellaneous	$252
Total Trip Cost	~$4000

Average cost per day: ~$1000
Total cost per person: ~$2000

This Maui trip cost breakdown reflects real prices we paid and gives a realistic picture of what a mid-range Hawaii vacation costs.

Related Post: We have the ULTIMATE MAUI TRAVEL GUIDE - where to stay, best things to do and more!

Travel and Lodging Expenses

Getting to Maui can be a challenge depending on where you live. Luckily we fly direct from LAX to OGG.

Airline Ticket - United LAX-OGG roundtrip: $350 each (average)
Extra Legroom: $150 each
Checked Baggage: $35 (average price)

Total for air travel for the 2 of us: $1035

How to Save on Flights:

Use points! Chase Sapphire Card offers 1 to 1 points for miles on most airlines. Alaska Airlines Credit Cards also has a good companion pass offer, to purchase one ticket and your companion flies for $150.
Pack light! We didn’t end up checking our bags and brought two carry-ons instead. Don’t forget these PACKING ESSENTIALS

Where to Stay and How to Get Around

Car Rental (Jeep Wrangler): $375 for 5 days (including travel days)
You pretty much need a rental car since the island is so spread out. Uber is available, but not ideal for stops and getting around.
Condo Rental (tax and cleaning fee included): $170 night plus taxes and cleaning fee - $1020 for a 1 bedroom for 4 nights. $17 resort fee includes parking and WiFi
There are a variety of places to stay in Maui from 3-star to 5-star hotels or some sort of Airbnb/VRBO/vacation rental.

Total Travel and Lodging for 2 adults for 4 nights: $2545

For just $3 get our Budget and Itinerary Template to plan your own Maui trip! Sample and packing list included!

Itinerary, Activities, and Food for 4 Days in Maui

There are SOO many ways to spend your days in Maui! We stay on LA time, so we typically go to bed around 9p and are up by 6a! Here’s how we spent the first 4 full days safely and socially distant as much as possible in Maui:

Day 1

7:00am: Uber to the airport $35

8:00am: Water at the airport - 2 large Dasani $7.78

8:30am: United flight departs LAX for Maui (OGG)

11:30am: Arrive in Maui; Pick-up Rental Car

12:30pm: Pick-up lunch from Tin Roof and eat along the beach

Tin Roof: 360 Papa Pl Ste 116, Kahului, HI 96732 Order ahead on website
Pork belly plate, chicken plate, babinga cake = $40
Beach: Papalaua Wayside Park Beach: 22 Honoapiilani Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793 - Free parking along the beach

3:00pm: Check-in to hotel/condo

4:00pm: Grab snacks at Times Market- prosciutto, cheese, crackers, drinks - $35.18

5:30pm: Scuba dive - twilight and night dive with Extended Horizons $189/person with taxes $427.90 + $40 tip

We did a twilight and night dive with Dave at Black Rock and saw a ton of fish, lobsters, turtles, nudibranchs, and even a shark!

8:00pm: Eat leftover Tinroof for dinner

Total Day 1: $ 585.86

Day 2

7:00am: Breakfast at Java Jazz breakfast to go and eat at Honolua Bay overlook

Address: 3350 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Call ahead to order - (808) 667-0787
Omelette with potatoes and bread, pancakes and bacon, juice = $38.55 +tip $45

8:30am: Hike Waihee Ridge Hiking Trail

Address: Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793
Drive along north shore to the trailhead. Parking is free but get there early for a good spot. The view stays pretty much the same as you hike up, you just are higher in elevation. It was a nice sunny hike that took us about 2 hours round trip, over 2 miles, and almost 1500 ft in elevation per my Apple Watch. Lots of parking, easy in and out, and porta-potties.
PACK: Drinking water, snacks, towels, hiking shoes

1:00pm: Pick-up lunch from Aloha Braised Food Truck on the way back from the hike!

Address: 58 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, HI 96761 *Only open on weekdays.
Get Volcano chicken plate and fries to share (since we’re having an early dinner) = $35

1:45pm: RELAX - swim in ocean/pool, read a book

4:30pm: Merriman's Kapalua dinner at sunset (check times for sunset and arrive an hour before)

Address: 1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761
First come, first served. Get in line at 4:30p to get a table to watch the sunset or book a reservation ahead of time for their pre-fix menu in the open-air dining room. GET A MAI TAI!
Drinks, steaks, and dessert for 2 adults = $250

Total Day 2: $ 330.00

For just $3 get our Budget and Itinerary Template to plan your own Maui trip! Sample and packing list included!

Day 3

7:00am: Pick-up breakfast at The Bakery Lahaina $25

Address: 991 Limahana Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761
Just opened! Grab some donuts and pastries!

7:15am: Stop and get gas! There aren’t a lot of gas stations along the Road to Hana so fill up before you go. $30

8:00am: Drive along the ROAD TO HANA!

This is a FULL day activity! There are many options to choose from! See our post and try our Complete Road to Hana Guide for tips on the best stops, parking, food, lodging, and more! COMPLETE ROAD TO HANA GUIDE $7
Free to drive, but parking and some activities have costs. For two people, I’d budget approx $60 for parking, snack stops, and activities.

1:00pm: Stop for lunch in Hana Town, we like the food trucks, especially the burrito and shave ice trucks = $35

2:00pm: Continue along the Road to Hana Head back before it gets dark as the road isn't lit well at night.

7:00pm: Pick-up Dinner from Maui Brew Co

Address: 4405 HI-30 Ste 217, Lahaina, HI 96761
After a long day, you might want to call and order some food and brews to go to eat back at the room!
Chicken wings, nachos with pulled pork, 3 32 oz beers $75 + tip

Total Day 3: $ 250.00

For just $3 get our Budget and Itinerary Template to plan your own Maui trip! Sample and packing list included!

Kaanapali Beach by the Hyatt - Maui, Hawaii

Day 4

8:00am: Pick-up breakfast at Island Press Coffee

Address: 2580 Kekaa Dr STE 104, Lahaina, HI 96761
You can’t go wrong with an egg, cheese, and bacon croissant along with a Mac nut latte! They also have other croissant variations as well as other pastries (try the crumb cake). Take to eat on Kaanapali Beach! = $40

9:00am: Snorkel Black Rock

Address: 2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Located in front of the Sheraton Resort, you can find turtles, sharks, octopuses, beautiful tropical fish along the reef on Black Rock. To be safe these days, you might want to bring your own. Buy a snorkel set on Amazon and send it to the hotel! Approx $45 per snorkel set = $90

1:30pm: Freshen up and have prosciutto, cheese, and crackers purchased from the market

1:45pm: Relax - swim in ocean/pool, read a book

5:30pm: Dinner at Sale Pepe (Best Italian food and pizza on Maui)

Address: 878 Front St #7,8, Lahaina, HI 96761
Order ahead online. We ordered 2 pizzas and a pasta dish and got 3 meals out of it for the 2 of us. Our favorite pizza was the Tomato, Fior di Latte, Red Onion, Pecorino, Maui Cattle Co. Meatballs Pizza = $65 (tip included)

Total Day 4: $ 195.00

Kaanapali Beach at Sunset - Maui, Hawaii

Travel Day

Depending on what time your flight leaves, you might have time for ONE more activity! Here’s a suggestion:

8:00am: Hawaiian Village Coffee

Address: 4405 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761
Pick-up coffee and some to-go breakfast foods = $30

8:30am: Quick Hike or Snorkel around Kapalua Bay

Address: Kapalua Coastal Trail, Lahaina, HI 96761
We're always so sad to leave but try and get one last hurrah in before our flight!

11:30am: Pick-up tacos for lunch at TaquerEATa Food Truck

I had the chicken fajita which was amazing! We also made a few build your own breakfast tacos with a combination of egg, cheese, bacon, and pork! There are lots of salsa options from mild to hot to complete your perfect taco. Total for 4 hearty tacos = $30. We took them to eat at a park along the beach!

11:35am: Get gas in the rental car while waiting for your tacos! $30 to fill up the tank.

2:30pm United flight departs Maui (OGG) for LAX

Pick-up food or snacks for flight; Charge electronics; Download movies to iPad

Total Travel Day: $ 90.00

Total for Trip for 2 (4 nights, 5 days): $3,839.86

For just $3 get our Budget and Itinerary Template to plan your own Maui trip! Sample and packing list included!

Sale

Maui Budget, Itinerary and Packing list - How much does it cost to spend 5 days in Hawaii?

$2.00 $3.00

Ready to travel again? Book a trip to Maui, Hawaii! Not sure how much to save or what to bring? Plug in numbers to our excel budget template and calculate your trip for up to 4 nights and 5 days! Start planning your trip by entering info into our itinerary template so you’re guaranteed to have the perfect trip!

See our samples for safe, socially distant activities and restaurant ideas!

As a bonus, we’ve thrown in a packing list with some of our favorite items!

Still too expensive? Here are a few ways to save while in Maui:

Buy food, coffee, and beverages at the supermarket to make your own meals. Having a full kitchen at a condo is a plus!
Don’t rent a Jeep Wrangler - we love it, but it’s on the higher end for rentals. You’ll probably save on gas too!
Don’t check bags and don’t pay for extra legroom. Airline credit cards might give you benefits such as free bags or use points for the extra legroom upgrade.
Check out what your condo rental has - boogie boards, surfboards, snorkel gear, beach chairs, etc. They might even offer tennis, shuffleboard, cornhole, and other free resort activities.
Go for 3 nights, take the first flight in the morning for arrival into Maui, and a red-eye home! This gives you about 4 days and 3 nights, but that all depends on your flights, of course!

Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

More Maui Travel Tips and Advice:

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Kat Cregg 12/10/25 Kat Cregg 12/10/25

How to Make a Sugar Cookie Gingerbread House (Recipe and Template included)

Tips for making the perfect Sugar Cookie Gingerbread House - Level: Pretty Easy

Want a gingerbread house that’s cute, sweet, and actually easy to build? This sugar-cookie gingerbread house is one of my favorite holiday traditions — simple to make, sturdy enough for decorating, and perfect for kids or beginners. In this guide, I’ll share the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, the exact tools I use, my best decorating tips, and troubleshooting tricks so your house comes out picture-perfect every time.

Whether you're hosting a Christmas cookie party or creating a cozy holiday moment at home, this sugar cookie gingerbread house is a festive project that everyone will love.

I wouldn’t call myself a baker, though I love to make cookies and cupcakes. My best friend, and realtor: Holly Patterson, had her annual Christmas Gingerbread House Contest and when I saw her post, I thought, “I wish I liked Gingerbread.” To go through all the trouble to make something I didn’t like seemed silly. That’s when I started the research. I can’t be the only one, someone must’ve tried this before! I found fancy houses and then I found Studio DIY. First off, I follow Kelly on Instagram and was inspired after reading her post. I went down a long rabbit hole of research and I was pretty pleased with the results! I was looking at recipes and ways to avoid going out to buy cream of tartar or molasses, things I never use. The good news, I didn’t have to go anywhere and had everything I needed in my pantry (my huge sprinkle collection finally came in handy)!

I didn’t even know where to begin, and started asking things like: how do you make the house shapes? Do you put the frosting on before or after you construct the gingerbread house? What design should I do? I then did what I do best, I made a Pinterest Gingerbread House Ideas board to collect my thoughts and inspiration. After I had my gameplan, I was ready to start!

Note: I keep calling it a Gingerbread house because you can use the template for a Sugar Cookie House or a Gingerbread House.

Looking for more sugar cookie house ideas beyond Christmas?
See our complete Sugar Cookie House Guide for easy builds, kid-friendly designs, and creative ideas for every season.

Jump to Recipe

Get your FREE Printable Gingerbread House Template - CLICK HERE

Toddler firehouse with firetruck and dalmatian dog — Checkout fun children gifts like this cute fire station!

Magnatiles Safari - Monkey, Giraffe, Elephant — CHeck out our toy wishlist!

Looking for great Toddler gifts? Check out what my kiddos have on their wishlist for Christmas this year! Amazon WISHLIST LINK

Shop this Post:

Shop our favorite sugar cookie decorating tools and supplies on Amazon → My Favorite Baking Supplies List

Baking Essentials

Stand Mixer
Silicone Baking Mats
Cooling Racks
Rolling Pin
Parchment Paper Sheets
Cookie Cutter Set

Decorating Tools

Piping Bags + Tips
Edible Glitter Decorations
Holiday Sprinkles
Icing Scraper
Food Coloring Gel Pack

Display & Extras

Gingerbread House Display Board
LED Fairylights (fun lights outside or inside!)

Gingerbread Sugar Cookie House Recipe

Plan ahead! I did a sketch and made my own template based on other templates I saw. I was worried the sugar cookie would be a little crumbly, so I made a smaller house by taking an inch off of every measurement in this Gingerbread House blueprint template. I followed the recipe from Better Homes & Gardens but tweaked it a little:

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Bake Time: 12–15 minutes

Total Time: ~2 hours

Yield: 1 Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house

Ingredients

2 cups butter, softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I love Vanillas of the World)
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
1 – 2 cup buttercream icing (see recipe in next section below)

Directions - Sugar Cookie Dough That Holds Its Shape

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 325F.

Step 2 - In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in 1 tablespoon milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. With a wooden spoon (or cute spatula), stir in sprinkles and any remaining flour.
Step 3 - Divide dough in half. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle. You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days. On large sheets of parchment paper roll out dough portions to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Lightly flour the top of the dough as necessary to keep it from sticking to the rolling pin. Pro Tip: I lined my cookie sheet with parchment paper so I could cut the excess dough and throw them in the oven!
Step 4 - Using my gingerbread house template, set pattern pieces on the dough; use a sharp knife (or roll a pizza slicer) to cut around each pattern piece. Remove excess dough. Remove pattern pieces; set aside.
Step 5 - Transfer dough cutouts on parchment paper to a large cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes on pan. Remove to wire racks and cool completely. Use a knife (or pizza slicer) to cut edges evenly, if necessary. Use excess to make trees, snowmen, or gingerbread men shapes.
NOTE: Some of my pieces were pretty thick, so when I put them in the oven, I baked more on the 15-20 min side. It might have been too long because the edges were dry and would kinda crumble when I went to cut them evenly.
Step 6 - Decorate as desired with buttercream icing (see recipe below), candies, and decorative sprinkles. Refrigerate for 20 mins. Assemble cookie house, using buttercream icing as glue. Let stand until firm.

Cut the pieces to the size of the template.

The Trucks that Saved Christmas written by yours truly! The Trucks that Saved Christmas

I wrote a children’s book! My favorite thing to do is read with my boys. I love watching their faces light up as they laugh at a funny moment or learn a good life lesson along the way.

We read a lot of truck books around here — and my favorites are always the Christmas ones, of course! 🚒🎄

This year, I felt inspired to create one of our own. I’m beyond excited to share that I’ve written and published The Trucks that Saved Christmas, now available on Amazon! Also available on Barnes and Noble, Walmart, IngramSpark, and other retailers!

It’s a rhyming, heartwarming story about teamwork, friendship, and helping Santa when he needs it most — perfect for little readers who love trucks and holiday magic.

If you have a truck-loving kid (or know someone who does), I’d be so grateful if you checked it out, shared it, or added it to your holiday reading list.

🎁✨ Thank you for being so sweet and supporting this little Christmas dream of mine!

See more about The Trucks that Saved Christmas and other books on our Bookshelf page!

Best Frosting or Icing for Gingerbread House Construction

Royal Icing vs Buttercream Icing… I read you have to use Royal Icing to make pieces stick together. I love the taste of buttercream frosting so I thought I’d give it a try and use toothpicks if it didn’t work. Guess what, I didn’t need those toothpicks! After a week… it’s still standing!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted if possible
1-2 tablespoons milk
Divide and add food coloring

Directions

Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until fully incorporated. Beat in vanilla extract.

Pour in milk and beat for an additional 3-4 minutes. Add food coloring, if using, and beat for thirty seconds until smooth or until desired color is reached.

How to Make a Sugar Cookie Gingerbread House

Here’s my advice:

I used my frosting tip kit to help make it look more professional, but you can also cut a small hole in the corner of a plastic bag.

I have a huge sprinkle collection which came in handy! The ManvsSprinkles shop on Amazon has some great options! I found some good sprinkles (especially holiday themed ones) from stores like Home Goods, Ross, or TJ Maxx.

I refrigerated the decorated pieces for 20 mins after I had my design so they were a little more solid and the frosting would set a bit. This gave me time to clean up some of my mess and switch my frosting to a new bag so I could use a different tip for the icing to use as glue for the house assembly.

Pro Tip: Put the decorated pieces in the fridge for 20 mins to help the frosting set

Tips for Making a Sturdy Gingerbread House

I used soup cans to lean the pieces against while frosting the edges of my next piece. Once I had two pieces together, it was pretty solid so I was able to put all the pieces together without a side falling over.

How to Assemble the House Step by Step

Plan ahead and figure out where your house is going to live (because it is hard to move it)
Put parchment paper down or directly on the plate
Make an Icing base for the front of the house and stick it down. Lean it against the soup can.
Add frosting to the bottom of sides of the house and along the side that will connect to the front.
Carefully and gently push the side into place, do the same with the other side.
Line the bottom and sides of your back with frosting and connect to the house.
Let it set for 10 mins or so before applying the roof.
Smother the top of your house with frosting add one side of the roof and then connect the other. I put frosting in between the peak of the roof too.
I added more frosting to the corners to make it looks more smooth. Pro tip: Don’t use too much frosting on the roof or it will collapse!

And voilà:

Gingerbread House design idea - cat in the window

See every angle of the Sugar Cookie Gingerbread house!

FAQ

Why did my gingerbread house collapse?

Usually the icing wasn’t fully dried or the pieces weren’t cut evenly. Make sure edges are straight and let the icing harden for at least 10–15 minutes before adding the roof.

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! Refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze up to 1 week.

Does this recipe work with gingerbread instead of sugar cookie dough?
It can, but sugar cookie dough is sturdier and less likely to spread.

How do I make my sugar cookie dough hold its shape?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling, and freeze the cut pieces for 10 minutes before baking.

What icing works best for building a gingerbread house?

Royal icing or “edible glue” is strongest. Buttercream tends to softens at room temperature but I like it because it tastes better.

How long will a sugar cookie gingerbread house last?

About 5–7 days at room temp, or up to 2 weeks if you’re keeping it for decoration only.

Can I make the pieces ahead?

Yes! Bake the pieces up to 2–3 days in advance and store in an airtight container.

Troubleshooting Your Gingerbread House

My dough cracked while rolling.
It’s too cold—knead slightly until smooth.

The pieces puffed or spread in the oven.
Freeze cut shapes before baking and avoid overmixing.

The roof keeps sliding off.
Add more icing to the top edge and let it dry longer before adding decorations.

My icing is too runny.
Add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time.

Let me know if you attempt to make this or if you like this post in the comments below!

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui

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Cute Christmas Trucks, Free iPhone Wallpapers & a Holiday Book Your Kids Will Love

Get free cute Christmas wallpapers NEW 2025 for your iPhone featuring bright, festive trucks from my children’s holiday book The Trucks That Saved Christmas. Download December wallpapers, explore playful Christmas phone backgrounds, and discover a fun Christmas story perfect for toddlers and families.

Free Cute Christmas Wallpapers for iPhone + A Festive Kids’ Book You’ll Love

If your kids are anything like mine, there are two things that absolutely light them up during the holiday season:

Anything involving Christmas
Anything involving trucks

So naturally… I combined the two.

Yes — I wrote and self-published a truck-themed Christmas children’s book, and honestly? It’s been one of the most joyful, chaotic, candy-cane-fueled creative projects of my life.

And to celebrate, I’m giving away FREE Christmas iPhone wallpapers based on the adorable truck characters from the book!

(You’re welcome. Your lock screen is about to get 10x more festive.)

The Trucks that Saved Christmas

By Cregg, Kathleen

Buy on Amazon

🚒 Meet the Trucks That Saved Christmas

My book The Trucks That Saved Christmas is a bright, silly, heartwarming story about a group of hardworking trucks who step up to save Christmas when things go hilariously sideways.

We’ve got:

A dump truck who is 90% enthusiasm and 10% “Uh oh, what did I just knock over?”
A firetruck who tries very hard to be the sensible one
A crane truck who always believes he can lift “just one more thing!”
A snow plow who takes his job very seriously
And a few more cheerful vehicles who refuse to let holiday chaos win

It’s perfect for little truck lovers, Christmas fans, and kids who giggle at puns (which… is all of them).

🎁 Free Cute Christmas Wallpapers for Your iPhone

Because I’m extra (and because my kids demanded it), I turned the artwork from the book into cute Christmas wallpapers you can use on your phone.

They’re bright.
They’re festive.
They’re truck-tastic.
And they’re totally free.

You'll find a bunch of them below — just press, hold, and save from your phone, or right-click on desktop.

Use them as:

✨ Lock screens
🎄 Home screens
🚗 A way for your toddler to say “MOM LOOK IT’S THE DUMP TRUCK!” every time your phone lights up

(You’re welcome in advance.)

Crane truck in front of ice cream shop in snow iPhone background

Cute Christmas Firetruck iPhone wallpaper

Santa and reindeer in the snow iPhone background — Santa and Reindeer Christmas December iphone Background

🌈 Why Free Wallpapers?

Pinterest recently exploded with a trend for Cute Christmas Wallpapers, and I thought…

Well hey… my trucks are cute. My trucks are Christmasy. And I definitely want in on this.

So now you get a whole bundle of Bright + Playfully Christmas wallpapers — featuring your favorite trucks and colorful holiday text overlays.

Feel free to share them, pin them, or set them as wallpaper on every device you own. Dress up your iPad. Decorate your Apple Watch. Go wild.

Santa loading presents in a dump truck christmas iPhone background

Cute Christmas Snowplow in front of bakery

iPhone wallpaper with a christmas truck in the snow — Cute Christmas iphone Wallpaper - Firetruck Snow

📚 Want Even More Christmas Magic? Grab the Book!

If you (or your little one) love the wallpapers, you’ll really love getting to know the full cast of trucks inside the book.

You can find The Trucks That Saved Christmas right here:
👉 Link here for Amazon: https://amzn.to/48b4rBo

Also available on Barnes and Noble, Walmart, IngramSpark, and other retailers

It’s a perfect stocking stuffer, bedtime story, or “I need 10 minutes of toddler peace” emergency tool.

Santa in the snow iPhone background — Cute Santa Christmas iPhone Background

🎅 Creating this book has been one of my favorite projects ever, and seeing kids light up when they meet the trucks makes my heart grow at least three sizes (Grinch-style).

I hope the free wallpapers sprinkle a little extra Christmas cheer onto your phone — and if you grab the book, I hope it becomes one of your family’s holiday favorites.

If you do download or share a wallpaper, tag me!
I LOVE seeing them in the wild. ❤️🎄🚒

Like this post?! Share it with everyone you know!

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Nov 23, 2025

Cute Christmas Trucks, Free iPhone Wallpapers & a Holiday Book Your Kids Will Love

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Nov 22, 2025

Must-Read Christmas Truck Stories for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Holiday Favorites 2025)

Nov 22, 2025

Christmas truck books bring together two things kids can’t get enough of—big machines and holiday magic. From cheerful dump trucks to hardworking diggers and glowing firetrucks, these festive stories deliver excitement, teamwork, and cozy Christmas charm on every page. Whether you're building a holiday book basket or searching for the perfect gift for a little truck lover, these Christmas truck books are sure to become treasured favorites year after year.

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Nov 14, 2025

I Wrote a Children’s Christmas Book!

Nov 14, 2025

Inspired by countless bedtime truck stories with my boys, The Trucks that Saved Christmas brings big engines and big hearts to Christmas Eve. When a snowstorm slows Santa down and the reindeer need to rest, the Truck Team revs up to help deliver the joy of Christmas night.

Nov 14, 2025

Kat Cregg 11/22/25 Kat Cregg 11/22/25

Must-Read Christmas Truck Stories for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Holiday Favorites 2025)

The Trucks That Saved Christmas children’s book displayed under a Christmas tree with festive gifts and toy trucks. — A festive Christmas scene beneath a decorated tree featuring the children’s book **The Trucks That Saved Christmas**displayed among holiday gift bags, twinkling lights, toy trucks, and cozy decorations. The setup creates a warm, gift-ready holiday atmosphere.

The Best Christmas Truck Books for Kids: Holiday Favorites for Little Truck Lovers

If you have a truck-obsessed child in your home, you already know: nothing lights up their eyes quite like a big, bold, colorful truck—especially when Christmas is involved. Holiday truck books have become a beloved sub-genre of children’s Christmas stories, blending festive cheer with vehicle fun, teamwork, and heartwarming lessons. Whether you're building a Christmas book basket, looking for a perfect stocking stuffer, or searching for a new bedtime favorite, this guide rounds up the best Christmas truck books that kids will want to read again and again.

Below are some top picks—ranging from classic holiday tales to newer favorites—along with what makes each book special and perfect for the season.

The Trucks that Saved Christmas

By Cregg, Kathleen

Buy on Amazon

1. The Trucks That Saved Christmas

A New Instant Holiday Classic by an AMAZING author

If your child loves big trucks — dump trucks, excavators, firetrucks, snowplows, and more — this heartwarming story delivers festive magic in every page. When Christmas Eve takes a surprising turn, a group of hardworking trucks must band together to save the holiday. Packed with colorful illustrations, glowing Christmas lights, teamwork, and heroic vehicles, this book is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early readers who adore all things trucks and Christmas.

Why kids love it: Bright illustrations, exciting truck action, and a feel-good ending that brings the whole town together.

I WROTE IT! See more information here: THE TRUCKS THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS

Construction Site Merry and Bright: A Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book (Goodnight Construction Site)

By Rinker, Sherri Duskey

Buy on Amazon

2. Construction Site: Merry and Bright

By Sherri Duskey Rinker

Fans of the “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site” series will love this holiday board book featuring the familiar crew of hardworking vehicles. Each truck gets a cozy Christmas moment illuminated by twinkling lights.

Why kids love it: Familiar characters, simple rhymes, and festive construction-themed fun ANDDDD Lift-the-flaps!

Little Blue Truck's Christmas: Great for Holiday and Christmas Reading or Gifting

By Schertle, Alice

Buy on Amazon

3. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas

By Alice Schertle

A toddler favorite! Little Blue Truck delivers Christmas trees to all his animal friends in this counting-and-rhyming tale. The finale includes (literal) light-up holiday surprises.

Why kids love it: Flashing lights, animals, counting, and the lovable Little Blue Truck.

Where Do Diggers Celebrate Christmas? (Where Do...Series)

By Sayres, Brianna Caplan

Buy on Amazon

4. Where Do Diggers Celebrate Christmas?

By Brianna Caplan Sayres

Part of the bestselling “Where Do Diggers…” series, this book imagines a fun Christmas Eve for diggers, cranes, mixers, and more.

Why kids love it: Energetic illustrations, familiar machines, and cheerful holiday traditions.

Wreck the Halls

By Rathjen, Melinda Lee

Buy on Amazon

5. Wreck the Halls

By Melinda Lee Rathjen

This playful and pun-filled Christmas board book follows an enthusiastic tow truck whose holiday spirit is a little toostrong. Determined to help its friends decorate, tow truck jumps into wrapping, hanging lights, and decking the halls — but every attempt leads to a hilarious holiday disaster. Even with all the chaos, the story delivers a sweet message: Christmas cheer isn’t about perfect decorations or fancy presents, but about the heart behind it all.

Why kids love it: Silly mishaps, construction-vehicle fun, bright illustrations, and tons of festive energy make this a standout pick for little truck lovers.

Santa's Christmas Train

By James, Helen Foster

Buy on Amazon

6. Santa’s Christmas Train

Perfect for kids who love both trains and trucks, this festive train ride takes readers on a magical trip to deliver presents. Not exactly trucks, but shares the same vehicle-themed charm!

Why kids love it: Holiday trains, classic Christmas imagery, and a fun rhythmic flow.

Bulldozer's Christmas Dig (The Bulldozer Books)

By Fleming, Candace

Buy on Amazon

7. Bulldozer’s Christmas Dig

By Candace Fleming

Bulldozer has one job: help decorate the construction site! This sweet story celebrates giving, kindness, and the little ways we brighten the holidays for others.

Why kids love it: Cute bulldozer character, colorful illustrations, and a message of generosity.

Why Truck-Themed Christmas Books Are So Popular

Kids who love trucks often connect deeply with stories that mix action with holiday magic. These books:

✔ Spark imagination
✔ Feature teamwork and problem-solving
✔ Use bright, engaging illustrations
✔ Make reading time exciting during the holidays
✔ Are perfect for vehicle-obsessed toddlers and preschoolers

They also make wonderful Christmas gifts — easy to wrap, fun to re-read, and perfect to stick under the tree or inside a stocking.

Whether your child, or one you know, is into dump trucks, firetrucks, diggers, trains, or anything with wheels, Christmas truck books combine two things kids adore: the magic of the holidays and the excitement of big machines. Adding even one of these to your holiday reading list will make bedtime a little cozier and Christmas a whole lot brighter.

If you like this list, please share this to Pinterest or your favorite social media outlet.

Kat Cregg 11/14/25 Kat Cregg 11/14/25

I Wrote a Children’s Christmas Book!

Cover of the children’s book “The Trucks That Saved Christmas” featuring smiling holiday trucks helping Santa in a snowy village at night. — Book Cover of The Trucks that Saved Christmas for toddlers

I Wrote a Children’s Christmas Book About Trucks Saving Christmas

Are you surprised?! If you follow me on social media then you know how much I love Christmas and that this dream of mine to write a children’s Christmas book wasn’t too far fetched!

One of my favorite things in the world is reading with my boys. Whether it’s before bedtime, during a lazy Sunday morning, or while snuggled up on the couch after dinner, those moments are pure magic. I love watching their faces light up as they follow along with the story — laughing at the funny parts, pointing at the illustrations, and asking a million curious questions (especially from the younger one these days!). Reading together has always been our way of slowing down and connecting.

And like so many parents of young kids, I can tell you this: we read a lot of truck books. Big trucks, small trucks, trucks that dig, trucks that dump, trucks that save the day — you name it, we’ve read it (probably five times in a row). But my absolute favorites have always been the Christmas stories. There’s just something about that combination of holiday magic, cozy family time, and the joy of giving that makes a story extra special.

Smiling Author holding multiple copies of the children’s book The Trucks That Saved Christmas. — Seeing The Trucks That Saved Christmas in print for the first time — a proud author moment.

One night last year, as we were reading yet another truck book before bed, I found myself imagining what might happen if Santa’s reindeer couldn’t finish their route. Who would help him deliver all the gifts? What if — just maybe — a team of brave, hardworking trucks rolled in to save Christmas Eve?

That idea became the spark for The Trucks that Saved Christmas.

In the story, a snowstorm hits on Christmas Eve, and Santa’s reindeer grow too tired to fly. That’s when the Truck Team steps up. Dump Truck, Firetruck, Snowplow, Crane Truck, Tank Truck, and Excavator work together to clear the snow, light the way, and help Santa finish delivering presents. Through teamwork, kindness, and determination, the trucks remind us all that even when plans change, there’s always a way to make the magic happen.

Writing this book was such a joyful process. I wanted it to feel playful and rhythmic — a story that’s as fun to read aloud as it is meaningful. Each truck has its own role to play, and the rhymes are designed to capture that sing-song bounce that kids love to repeat. And while it’s a story about Christmas, it’s really about something deeper: teamwork, helping others, and believing that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

The Trucks That Saved Christmas picture book on a children’s bookshelf, showing festive trucks and Santa on the cover. — A children’s bookshelf featuring the picture book **The Trucks That Saved Christmas** displayed front-facing among other kids’ books. The festive cover shows smiling trucks helping Santa in a snowy village with a glowing Christmas tree. Below the shelf are colorful toddler toys and instruments, creating a cozy family reading space.

As a parent, I’ve seen how stories shape the way children see the world. When they read about characters who work together, solve problems, and care for one another, those lessons stick. And when those lessons come wrapped in the sparkle of Christmas lights and the rumble of truck engines, kids connect with them in a way that feels exciting and familiar.

My hope is that The Trucks that Saved Christmas becomes a story families look forward to sharing year after year — one that brings a little warmth, laughter, and togetherness to the holiday season.

If you have a truck-loving kid (or know someone who does), I’d be honored if you added it to your holiday reading list. It’s now available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions. Also available on Barnes and Noble, Walmart, IngramSpark, and other retailers.

From my family to yours — merry reading, happy holidays, and may your Christmas be full of teamwork, laughter, and just a little bit of truck magic. 🚒🎁🎄

FAQ

Was this book written by AI?

No. The Trucks That Saved Christmas was written by me. The story, characters, and rhymes were created by hand with young readers in mind.

How were the illustrations created?

The illustrations began as original sketches and designs. Digital tools, including AI-assisted enhancements, were used to refine color, lighting, and details—similar to how illustrators use modern software today.

If you liked this post, please share it!

See more posts here!

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Kat Cregg 10/28/25 Kat Cregg 10/28/25

10 Reasons Why Outrigger Honua Kai Resort & Spa is the Ultimate Maui Family Vacation Rental

Sunset at Luxury Resort Honua Kai — ***Honua Kai Resort - The Maui Condo That Feels Like a Full Luxury Resort***

Honua Kai Resort & Spa Review: The Maui Condo That Feels Like a Full Luxury Resort

With over 10 years of annual visits to Maui, Hawaii, and staying at a variety of places, Honua Kai Resort & Spa is our favorite place to stay! We’ve stayed there more than 5 times now, the first time was a month long stay before baby, the second stay was with baby and family (8 people in a 3 bedroom), in-laws and us with our 2 kiddos, and last few stays were just the 4 of us in a one bedroom. Looking for the best Airbnb or VRBO rental in Maui? Honua Kai is great for families, couples, or a friend-cation, it even accommodates large groups.

Honua Kai is a condominium resort complex on Ka'anapali Beach. The decision you need to make is whether to book a condo through the on-site property manager, Outrigger, or through an independent property management company or owner.

We typically like to book through Maui Resort Rentals: https://www.mauiresortrentals.com/rental/honua-kai-hokulani-538#gallery-1

We can find great prices, amazing units, and we love the amenities and service they provide!

If you’re still deciding where to stay, our Ultimate Maui Travel Guide breaks down the best areas and resorts across the island.

Here are 10 excellent reasons why we would go back again and again…

Honua Kai 3 bedroom condo - kitchen and living room with ocean view — 3-Bedroom Condo at Honua Kai - Ocean Decor

The resort feeling is real!
The giant pool area, location next to the ocean, general store/smoothie/coffee shop, and spa on premises, makes a perfect vacation. Honestly, it felt like staying at a hotel except the room was a suite with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, but no housekeeping service. We don’t typically have our room made up anyway so it was perfect. If you want housekeeping daily you can book through Outrigger, you just won’t be able to pick which unit you want.
Honua Kai Resort & Spa is my favorite option when traveling with babies, toddlers, and or kids! Having a full kitchen and a washer and dryer is so handy as you never know what mess they’ll make!
Speaking of kids and toddlers, check out my top 10 things that I bring for every vacation with the kiddos! You won’t want to miss these toys or snacks: https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/blog/10-things-toddler-travel

2. Lots of room combos for any family size.

There are studios, 1 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms. The 1 bedroom was perfect for us so I could work in one room and there was still somewhere for Josh to go watch TV or sit on the patio. We stayed in a 3 bedroom when Josh’s family met us in Maui, Room 351 is gorgeous with ocean views and has a cute coastal theme!

Book through Maui Resort Rentals for great service and a great price. Be sure to consider what pool you may be visiting the most or if you want to be near stairs or elevators for convenience. You can also check out the views of each room on the website so you know exactly what you’ll be looking at (mountain or ocean view).

Maui Resort Rentals: https://www.mauiresortrentals.com/rental/honua-kai-hokulani-538#gallery-1

Room views from our Honua Kai 3 bedroom balcony

3. The patios at Honua Kai are amazing!

The patios are large and where we spent most of our time in our room when we weren’t sleeping! We had all meals out there and I even worked (WFH = Work From Hawaii) out there for most days. Depending on which side of the building you’re on, you might get a sunrise or sunset, or both! I enjoyed having coffee in the morning and watching the whales breach the surface. Whales are only seen late October-March.

October is also a relatively good month to book for less crowds and cheaper prices (compared to spring/summer)! See more great reasons to book in October: https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/blog/maui-october

Water slide and pool at Honua Kai in maui — Outrigger Honua Kai Water Slide in Pool

4. The Pool!

The pool area at Honua Kai is like a resort, complete with water slide, lazy river type pool (it doesn’t really flow but you can walk/swim it), splash pad and 1/2 foot kiddie pools! Lots of chairs and areas to lounge poolside.

There are even servers that come by to bring drinks and food from Duke’s so you can have a Mai Tai and Hula Pie at the pool!

We rented a cabana that was big enough for our family party of 8 to hang out in. If you pick the right cabana, you can even have a private pool entrance!

5. Beach Access

The beach is also right in front of the hotel and because we booked our room with Maui Resort Rentals, we had Tommy Bahama chairs and an umbrella provided in the room and ready to use.

Note: not all rooms have umbrellas.

There is a paved walking path that is just before the sand so that you can walk along to the neighboring properties or even all the way to Black Rock and Kaanapali! It’s about a mile and a half to Whaler’s Village.

Maui Resort Rentals: https://www.mauiresortrentals.com/rental/honua-kai-hokulani-538#gallery-1

entrance to Ho Loa spa at Honua Kai — Hoola Spa Closed at Outrigger Honua Kai in October 2025

6. The Spa!

It wouldn’t be called Honua Kai Resort & spa without the spa!

The Ho’ōla spa on premises was the perfect for my 90 minute massage! There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles to this place like Burke Williams, but you have a private room with an excellent massage therapist! They do have showers and lockers for your post relaxation needs.

UPDATE: the Hoola Spa closed October 2025! I do recommend the Sheraton’s Spa!

7. Whaler’s General Store

Not only is there a convenience store but there are also baristas and smoothie-ologists. Ok, I made the smoothie-ologist word up, but they make good, fresh smoothies!

Their mac nut latte is the perfect start to any day (or afternoon)!

There was another coffee shop on the property but it closed about a year ago.

8. Gym

There’s also a really nice gym, though I prefer to go for a run out on the paved path along the beach!

9. Hotel Treatment

There is valet service, as well as bellhops, like a true resort. They are super helpful for guests or checking-in.

If you’re looking for adventure, there’s even a concierge to help you book excursions!

Hula pie on plate at Dukes in front of beach in maui at sunset — Hula Pie at Duke’s is a MUST have!

10. Duke’s Beach House Maui

Between the pool and the ocean you will find a famous restaurant called Duke’s!

Why is Duke’s so special? Well, of course it has to do with ice cream! The Hula Pie is a must - Macadamia nut ice cream with a cookie crust topped with fudge, whipped cream and more macadamia nuts!

They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

May I recommend the breakfast burrito and pork Benedict for breakfast!

See all of our favorite restaurants here: https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/blog/10-best-restaurants-maui-hawaii

Aloha and Until Next Time

After all these years and all those different stays—from a romantic month-long trip to fun family reunions—it’s clear why Honua Kai Resort & Spa holds the top spot on our list of Maui accommodations. It truly offers the best of both worlds: the spacious convenience of a fully-equipped vacation rental paired with the luxurious amenities of a high-end resort. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the expansive patio while watching whales breach, floating near the epic pool complex, or enjoying a slice of Hula Pie at Duke's, Honua Kai Resort & Spa creates the kind of effortless, relaxing vacation that keeps you coming back for more. So, if you’re looking for a perfect home base for your next West Maui adventure, stop scrolling through listings and book your suite. We'll probably see you there!

This is not a sponsored post, I genuinely like Honua Kai and Maui Resort Rentals. For the record, I like ice cream more.

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10 Reasons the Best time of Year to Visit Maui is October

No Tricks, Just Treats: Why October is our Favorite Month to Visit Maui

Maui is our happy place and our favorite island in Hawaii. We got married there in October and have gone every year since 2014.

After over a dozen trips—yes, we're basically part-time locals—we've discovered that while Maui is wonderful year-round, October is when she puts on her most charming outfit.

Here are all the adorable, quirky, and outright excellent reasons why you should book your next Hawaiian escape for the spooky, sunny season!

Related Post: Planning a Maui vacation right now? Save our Ultimate Maui Travel Guide (2026) for easy reference while booking flights and hotels.

Pumpkins in Maui, October is the best month to visit — Maui in October is the best month to visit Maui, Hawaii

Kapalua Bay in Maui in October — Kapalua Bay and the weather is beautiful in October

1. Elbow Room for Your Aloha Spirit

Not as crowded. Think of Maui's high season as a packed escalator—lots of beautiful people, but you're constantly bumping into someone's camera bag. October? It's like the escalator is moving at a leisurely pace, and you can actually stop to admire the view!

While the island doesn't exactly roll up its sidewalks, the sheer volume of visitors drops significantly from the summer frenzy and spring break rush. This means shorter lines for shave ice, an easier time snagging that perfect sunset table, and feeling like you have a little more personal beach bubble at your favorite snorkel spot. Your inner introvert will thank you!

2. Your Wallet Gets a Vacation, Too!

Prices are relatively cheaper! Let’s be honest: a trip to Maui isn't exactly a spontaneous Target run. However, traveling in the shoulder season of October is like finding a really good coupon code for paradise.

Flights tend to breathe a sigh of relief, room rates dip a delightful amount, and those pesky rental car prices aren't quite as aggressively priced as they are in March or July. While you'll still be paying for premium tropical bliss, you'll feel better knowing you scored a savvy deal. That little bit you save? Hello, extra mai tai!

Pink Hawaiian Sunset in Maui In October at Honua Kai

3. The Ocean is an Absolute Gem

Snorkeling is great! We’re not going to lie; we’ve had a few trips where a rogue storm decided to stir up the waters like a giant ocean blender. But typically, October offers up some of the clearest, most dazzling water days of the year.

The water temperature is wonderfully warm (more on that later!), and the visibility for spotting those brilliant Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (say that five times fast!) is usually spectacular. It’s like the ocean decides to polish its windows just for the October crowd. Grab your mask and prepare to hang out with some very colorful neighbors.

Kula Country farms is the best Pumpkin patch to visit in October in Maui, Hawaii — Kula Farms LOVE sign - Maui in October

4. Pumpkin Patch with a View!

The pumpkin patch! Hold on, pumpkins in paradise? YES! Head up the slopes of Haleakalā to Kula and prepare for a view that will make your jaw drop. You can pick out a pumpkin with a sweeping, breathtaking view of the island, which is easily the most photogenic pumpkin patch in the world.

But the real, must-get, life-changing prize is the pumpkin bread at their general store. It is dense, moist, and tastes like a fluffy slice of autumnal heaven. It's the perfect quirky, non-traditional October treat that reminds you that Maui truly has everything.

5. The Great Whale Tease (and Promise!)

Whale Season starts! This one is pure quirky tragedy, but we've held onto hope for a decade! Every. Single. Time. we go, someone enthusiastically tells us, "Oh, you just missed the first whale of the season!" It's like Maui enjoys giving us a marine high-five followed by a gentle, ocean-sized slap in the face.

The migratory season for the majestic Humpbacks begins in late fall, and October is when those first few adventurous pioneers show up. Hopefully, you will be the lucky one who spots that first beautiful breach and can then, naturally, text us the news! (We'll try not to cry.)

6. The Weather Temp in Maui is Perfection

The best time of year to visit Maui island in October is because the weather is perfect. Forget the sweltering heat of August. October in Maui is that glorious, just-right temperature that makes you realize you were born to wear shorts and a lightweight linen shirt. While Maui is generally 79°F–89°F year-round, October seems to settle comfortably into the low 80s/high 70s, which is our version of atmospheric bliss.

And remember that warm ocean we mentioned? It stays so toasty that you can leave the bulky dive gear at home. The water is your second skin, and that, my friends, is pure vacation luxury.

7. The Road to Hana is a Dream Drive

Road to Hana is a great drive! If you've been hesitant about this iconic, winding drive, October is your time. The weather is generally sunny, the slight dip in crowds makes it easier to pause at those waterfall-laden stops.

Fewer cars means less stress and more time to truly soak in the bamboo forests, the black sand beach, and the sheer, stunning lushness of the eastern coastline. (Want to tackle the drive? Check out our complete Road to Hana guide here: https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/blog/best-stops-on-the-road-to-hana-maui-hawaii-with-map

8. A Hint of Holiday Sparkle!

Some Christmas decorations come out! Okay, we know it's only October, but if you love that tiny, early dose of holiday cheer, you'll catch a glimpse of it here. In late October, some stores start to put out a few festive touches. Seeing a Christmas lei or a string of lights twinkling against a backdrop of palm trees is the sweetest, most charming kind of holiday collision.

Pumpkin Crunch Ice Cream only found at Island Cream Co. in Maui in October — Pumpkin Crunch Ice Cream at Island Cream Co in October in Maui

9. Pumpkin Crunch Ice Cream

Yup, couldn’t make it through a post without mentioning ice cream! At Island Cream Co, you must try their Pumpkin Crunch ice cream! It’s filled with pumpkin, cinnamon crumbles and roasted pecans! That says fall to me!

10. Maui Halloween Events

There are many Halloween events in Maui! Cannery Mall in Lahaina has activities and Trick or treating day of Halloween!

2025 events include Imua Keiki Halloween Festival at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, a Halloween party at da Playground Maui, and the second edition of FUZZ FEST titled MUTATED MAYHEM!

The Hyatt Regency in Maui is hosting a Haunted House and Halloween movie night on Oct 30 and 31!

The Shops at Wailea -
Sunday, October 26 from 3-7pm at The Shops at Wailea Center-Wide Trick Or Treating | 3-7pm Participating merchants will be marked with balloons. Balloon Animals | 3-5pm Located in the Middle Valley in front of Rip Curl. Magic Show with Brenton Keith | 3:30 - 4:30pm A local favorite

Whaler’s Village in Kaanapali also has a movie night, activities, and trick or treating!

Speaking of kids and toddlers, check out my top 10 things that I bring for every vacation with the kiddos! You won’t want to miss these toys or snacks: https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/blog/10-things-toddler-travel

So there you have it! Maui in October is an absolute dream—a little less busy, a little more budget-friendly, and all the gorgeousness you expect from the Valley Isle. Trust us, it’s the Goldilocks month for Hawaiian travel: just right.

Have you ever visited Maui in the fall? Share your favorite memory in the comments below!

Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui

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10 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials for Happy Toddlers

Navigating the open road with a toddler can feel less like a scenic drive and more like a high-stakes, full-contact sport. Forget the tranquil hum of the engine; you're more likely to be serenaded by a chorus of "Are we there yet?" and the frantic search for a rest stop with a decent playground. But fear not, brave navigators! I've spent countless miles perfecting the art of the toddler-friendly road trip, and I'm here to share my quirky, tried-and-true survival guide.

My secret weapon? A pre-packed arsenal of sanity-saving essentials that never leave my car. First up, snacks, glorious snacks! This one's a no-brainer, but when you're hurtling down the highway, these morsels become more crucial than your GPS. My go-tos include That’s It bars, a brilliant way to sneak in some fruit; Go Go Squeeze Pouches for mess-free slurping joy; and, of course, the ever-reliable Goldfish crackers, which have the magical ability to avert a meltdown in seconds. To slow down the snack-gobbling process, I always pack snack pack containers—they're a sneaky way to work on those fine motor skills while keeping the crumb-pocalypse at bay.

But what about when the snacks run out? That's when I deploy my next secret weapon: reusable sticker books. I swear these are enchanted. I've found that each one buys me at least 15 minutes of blissful quiet—that's enough time to listen to an entire song without interruption! And for the inevitable screen time, a headrest-mounted iPad holder is a game-changer. It means less neck craning for your tiny passengers and more hands-free time for you to, you know, eat your own snacks in peace.

toddler touching parked Jeep on beach in Maui with ocean in background

Toddler Road Trip Hacks: Keep Your Little Ones Happy on the Go

Traveling is an adventure, but hitting the open road with a toddler (or two!) can feel like a full-contact sport. Forget serene scenery – think snack negotiations, endless choruses of "Are we there yet?", and the frantic search for a rest stop. But fear not, brave navigators! I've mastered the art of the toddler-friendly road trip, and I'm sharing my top 10 quirky must-haves that never leave my car.

Shop our sanity-saving list on Amazon: https://amzn.to/446NDIp

That's it. Mini Fruit Bars Gift Pouch (Variety 36 Count) No Sugar Added, Plant-Based, Vegan & Gluten Free, Paleo, Non GMO, Fiber (12 Banana, 12 Blueberry, 12 Mango)

That's it.

1. Snacks, Glorious Snacks (The Fuel of Tiny Conquerors)

This one's a no-brainer, but when you're hurtling down the highway, snacks become more crucial than your GPS. Seriously.

Here are my favorite non-refrigerated, meltdown-averting morsels:

That’s It bars: Fruit in disguise! OUR FAVORITE!
Bear Fruit Snacks: Because bears are cute, and so are happy toddlers.
Go Go Squeeze Pouches: Less mess, more slurping joy.
Crackers: Teething crackers (for gnawing on), Ritz or Wheat Thins (for sophisticated crunching), Goldfish (for the inevitable "one more, please!").
Dried Fruit: Nature's candy, minus the sticky fingers (mostly).
Teddy Grahams: Tiny bears, big smiles.

Munchkin Snack Catcher Toddler Snack Cups, No Spill, 2 Pack, Blue/Green

Munchkin

2. No Spill Snack Pack Containers (The Anti-Hoarding Device)

These little wonders are game-changers. They slow down the snack-gobbling process, preventing your little ones from stuffing their faces like they haven't eaten in a week. Plus, it's a sneaky way to work on those fine motor skills. Score!

Horizon Group USA Bluey Sticker Playset, 2 Sticker Play Scenes, 35+ Reusable Puffy Bluey Repositionable Stickers for Kids, Perfect for Travel, Screen-Free Fun

Horizon Group USA

3. Reusable Sticker Books (The Quiet Time Whisperers)

I swear these sticker books are enchanted. I snagged a six-pack, and each one bought me at least 15 minutes of blissful quiet. That's like, an entire podcast episode, people!

We also have this cute Bluey Set.

Lamicall Car Headrest Tablet Holder - [3 in 1 Extension Arm] Adjustable Tablet Car Mount for Back Seat, Road Trip Essentials for Kids, for 4.7-11" Device Like iPad Pro, Air, Mini, Galaxy, Fire, Black

Lamicall

4. iPad Holder (Your Personal Entertainment Concierge)

Because sometimes, a screen is your best friend. An iPad holder that attaches to the headrest means less neck craning for your tiny passengers and more hands-free time for you (to, you know, eat your own snacks).

Cartwheel Books Language Skills Vehicles 50 First Words Flashcards: Scholastic Early Learners (Flashcards)

By Scholastic

5. Flash Cards (The Interactive Distraction)

Forget just looking at pictures! These flashcards are your secret weapon for impromptu car games. Think "I Spy" with animals, "20 Questions" about colors, or a scavenger hunt for letters. If they get it right, a Teddy Graham or Goldfish awaits! It's educational bribery at its finest.

Disney Frozen, Cars, Dory, Nemo, and More! - Movie Adventures Look and Find Activity Book with Stickers - PI Kids

By Pi Kids

6. Books (The Timeless Tranquilizers)

Even in the age of screens, a good old-fashioned book is a lifesaver.

I pack touch-and-feel books for my younger adventurer (who mostly just touches every page anyway).

For my older tot, it's all about Spidey books, the Little Blue Truck, or anything Disney - the look and find series is great because there is a small story and a where’s Waldo type game to it!

See more book ideas HERE

KINMAC Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed- Portable Travel Toddler Air Bed for Kids Camping Air Mattress Racecar Toddler Bed with Sides Blow Up Mattress Sleeping Pad for Camping Car Travel Sleeping(Green)

KINMAC

7. Inflatable Race Car Bed or Slumberpod (Your Mobile Sleep Sanctuary)

Okay, so this isn't for the car ride itself, but for your destination! If your crib-dweller can sleep in a pack-n-play, the Slumberpod is your new best friend. It’s a blackout tent that cocoons the pack-n-play, letting your littles sleep longer and allowing you to move around the room without becoming a giant, interesting distraction.

I borrowed an inflatable Race Car bed from my sister and have now used it more than she has, taking it all over the place. I thought my littles were going to pop it, but it’s surprisingly durable. It's compact and easy to inflate/deflate – a true throwback to my '90s blow-up furniture days! It even comes with a pump and plug for the wall or cigarette lighter!

Don't forget, you’ll also need:

Toddler Bed Fitted Sheet (bring two just in case, toddlers are messy!)
Toddler Pillow
Toddler Pillowcase
A Cozy Blanket

PicassoTiles 80pc Mini Travel Size Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks Construction Build STEM Learning On The Go Vacation Toy Set Birthday Gifting Classroom Magnet Tile Kit Educational Ages 3 and up PTM80

Picassotiles

8. Magnetic Tile Travel Set (The Genius Builder)

I’ve yet to meet a toddler who isn't mesmerized by Magnatiles. I found a travel-friendly version from Picasso Tiles on sale, which only comes out for vacations. And for when they inevitably get bored, I introduce the little magnetic cars for a quick switch-up.

Good news is, they also work with most magnet tiles so you can slip extras in there or you can use the minis when not on vacation.

3 Rolls Roadway Tape, Race Cars Decorations for Kids Birthday Party, Race Track Tape Easy to Stick and Tear Without Leaving Any Traces, 2 Inch Wide 49 FT Long 2 Types of Road Tape

Quadafy

9. Cars and Road Tape (The Portable Highway)

This Road Tape is like painter's tape with a highway printed on it! It was perfect for rolling their smaller cars up and down.

We love the V-Tech Go Go Smart Wheels cars which are also great in the car because they light up, play short songs, and make noise (in a good way, not an annoying way… usually).

Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine, Night Light | 2nd Gen | Registry Essential, Sleep Trainer, Routine Builder, Time-to-Rise Alarm Clock, White Noise Soother, Nursery Stories, Toddler Kids Bedroom (Wi-Fi)

Hatch Baby

10. White Noise and Nightlight (The Dream Weavers)

Yes, our Hatch (our white noise machine/nightlight) isn't exactly "portable" in the traditional sense, but it’s a non-negotiable for our toddlers' sleep routine. I just swaddle it in clothes like a precious cargo to keep it safe. White noise is a lifesaver for drowning out new hotel sounds and creating a familiar sleep environment.

Some extras goodies that we pack for EVERY trip:

For a family of 4 (including 2 toddlers at almost 2 and 3.5 years old), we packed:

5 Horizons Group, LLC

Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Rear-Facing 5-40 pounds and Forward-Facing 22-40 pounds and up to 43 inches, Vibrant Blue

Dorel Juvenile Group

3 duffles- we love the Eddie Bauer duffle that compacts into a small bag when you’re not using them
- Duffle #1 - toddlers’ clothes, diapers, shoes, toys, etc.
- Duffle #2 - My clothes and hub’s clothes
- Duffle #3 - toddler bumper for bed, you can use pillows but we had free bags we could check. Sometimes we bring the race car blow-up bed
2 Cosco Car Seats - infant and toddler
2 personal bags (however, mine was toy overflow) - Picasso Magnet Mini tile travel set, Go Dog Go board book, trucks, Pixar Cars bath toys, Reusable Sticker books, and Crayola Mess Free Coloring books.
diaper bag
Insulated Snack bag - filled with PB&J sandwiches, That’s It Bars, Bear Fruit Rolls
Wagon - We use a wagon instead of our stroller, since both tots are getting older, but we do LOVE this travel stroller

BEAU JARDIN Folding Push & Pull Beach Wagon 500 lbs Collapsible Foldable Wagons with Push Handle All Terrain Wheels Grocery Utility Camping Sports Garden Wagon Cart Black

BEAU JARDIN

Don’t forget to grab a Crossword Puzzle for nap time! This is our FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR It keeps my mind working and gives me a list of places to add to our bucket list!

See our full list on Amazon.com!

So there you have it, fellow parents! With this arsenal of quirky essentials, you're not just driving; you're conquering the open road, one happy toddler moment at a time. What are your go-to road trip hacks for little ones?

Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

products needed for a road trip with a toddler and text saying 10 road trip essentials for happy toddlers.

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